Back To School Checklist

Back to school is just around the corner, and it's time for us to get our routines back in order and get focused. Here is a check list to help us make this transition a little bit easier.

1. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Especially if you need sports physicals for school or recreation.
2. Review ALL materials sent by the school as soon as it arrives. Don't put it aside and risk it being misplaced or forgotten.
3. Mark your calendar and make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights, PTA meetings, etc.
4. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.
5. Try to get school supplies as early as possible and fill the backpacks a week or two before school starts.
6. Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least 1 week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.
7. Encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, flash cards, color, or read as early morning activities instead of watching television. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine.
8. If your child is young or in a new school, visit the school with your child. Meeting the teacher, locating their classroom, locker, lunchroom, etc., will help ease pre-school anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment. Call ahead to make sure the teachers will be available to introduce themselves to your child.
9. Buy only the essential clothing needed for school. Summer clothes are usually fine during the early fall, but be sure to have at least one pair of sturdy shoes. Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines.
10. Designate a specific homework area. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.
11. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings like backpacks and lunch boxes as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.
12. Get your child an alarm clock. Have school-age children set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.

This is always an exciting and scary time for all school age children. Just try to make the transition as easy and stress free as possible. Get lots of rest and Pray!!!

Good Luck!!!

Have a Great School Year!

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in you!!!