It’s Go Time! 5 Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School
By Malcolm Durning
Life transitions can be challenging, whether you're five or one hundred and five! One of the trickiest transitions of the year for both kids and parents is when it's time to head back to school. Saying hello to new teachers, new classmates, new routines—and saying goodbye to a summer full of outdoor fun! But the start of a new school year also brings the promise of new fun, after school activities, and endless learning opportunities. To help make this transition smoother and set your little learners up for success, here are five tips to get them excited and ready for the year ahead!
- Establish Your Routine Early
As summer winds down, gradually shift bedtimes earlier to ensure your child gets enough rest. A calming nighttime routine, such as reading a bedtime story together, can help signal that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Our Story Time sets each include education storybooks that are filled with wacky tales, perfect for bedtime.
In the morning, create a straightforward routine that includes waking up at the same time, getting dressed, and having a healthy breakfast. These habits will help your child start each day feeling refreshed and ready to learn.
- Reintroduce Academic Thinking
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, which can make it challenging for little ones to jump back into academic work. Ease your child back into learning by incorporating activities that stimulate their mind in a fun way. Strategic games, like our Story Time Backgammon game, are excellent tools to reengage your child’s problem-solving skills, critical thinking, math, and prolonged focus. This gentle reintroduction can make the shift back to schoolwork smoother and more enjoyable.
- Get Organized the Night Before
Mornings always seem to fly by, so preparing for school the night before can make a big difference. Encourage your child to take charge of their routine by packing their backpack, laying out their outfit, and organizing anything else they need for school the next day. This will help smooth out your morning routine, foster a sense of independence in your child, and build some excitement for their day ahead! Plus, it gives you a little extra breathing room in the morning.
- Prioritize Family Time
As schedules fill up with after-school activities, it’s important to keep family time a priority. Spend time together by going to the park or playing a board game. Our Story Time Chess set is an excellent game for endless family fun and learning together! Playing games with your child will help them feel supported and balanced.
- Make Back-to-School Fun (For You, Too!)
The back-to-school transition isn’t just tough on kids—parents feel it too! Make the separation more fun by adding little surprises into your child’s day. Write a secret note to tuck into their lunchbox or create a new after-school snack together. These small gestures will give your child something to look for in their time away from home and can add a bit of joy to your routine as well.
Transitioning back to school can be tough, but it is a necessary part of your child’s learning and social development. By using these tips, like establishing a routine early and reintroducing academic thinking with our board game collection, you can help your child navigate this change with confidence!