Getting Ready for Back to School

Getting back into the routine of school can be tough for both parents and children. Summer brings many schedule changes including a more relaxed routine. Here are some recommendations to try this year to help ease the return-to-school blues:

• Re-establish a routine: routines help kids (and adults) to know what to expect and what comes next. Re-introducing a consistent routine can make the transition back to school (waking up early) feel a little easier.
• Make a visual schedule: have a child that can’t remember what comes next, or a child that constantly asks what is happening next? Use a visual schedule to help them remember their morning routine or what the activities of the day will be. Visual cues like these can be helpful for children that may already know the plans for the day but continue to ask what is next. Pro tip: work with your child to make a schedule that is clear and motivating. Include a theme that they like, and laminate it so they can check off tasks that they’ve completed with a dry erase marker.
• Participate in regulating activities in the morning: whether that be swinging, reading, or heavy work, participating in regulating sensory activities in the morning before school can help your child to feel more regulated during their morning routine.
• Create a “study spot”: having a designated spot for homework and projects can help create routine and separate work from play. Make sure this spot is well lit and has any materials necessary to complete work.
• Meet your teacher: if your child is anxious about returning to school, request to meet the teacher in advance or see the classroom. Pro tip: looking at a picture or drawing what the classroom will look like can help ease anxiety and help your child to know what to expect.