You’ve made it through one of the most difficult and unique school years in a lifetime. Take a moment to celebrate that! From virtual classrooms, pods, and hybrid schedules, to take home packets, asynchronous lessons and carving out a small corner of your home for “school”, you’ve done it! So, if you’re looking forward to some normalcy, who could blame you?
But you also might have some concerns about how a normal school year is going to look, how your child is going to handle the transition, and whether they are prepared. Health guidelines, new routines, and academic preparedness are on the minds of all parents so let’s look at a few things we can do to assure we have the best possible start to the year.
Health Guidelines
Every school will have unique rules in place so it will be important to familiarize yourself with those that will be specific to you and your child. There are a few benefits to this. Primarily, following school guidelines assists with the continued well-being and health of not only the community, but your child and your family. Additionally, practicing current health guidelines will prepare your child for what is likely to be an expectation throughout the coming school year. Practicing wearing a mask for extended periods, using effective hand washing techniques, and maintaining appropriate social distance will pay dividends when your child is asked to use these skills at school. Try practicing these things in familiar settings first. And as always, check with your local government and school for the most up to date guidelines.
Routines
With our routines upended over this last school year, we all scrambled to create new ones. Once those were in place though, things became much easier and predictable. This touches on the importance and influence of routine and how creating lasting routines for the new school year will be important. The most influential routines for school success are After School, Nighttime, and Morning, so let’s focus on those.
After School
- Backpack and folder checks
- Complete homework soon after returning from school
- Prepare any needed materials for the next day
- Backpack in the same spot each day
Nighttime
- Ready outfits for the next day
- Bedtime routine should start early enough that your child wakes up with enough time to eat breakfast
- Plenty of sleep (CDC recommends 9-12 hours for school age children)
Morning
- Ample time for a healthful breakfast
- Drink plenty of water
- Leave for school early
Academic Preparedness
Distance learning gave us an inside look at our children’s learning and academics. And while it undoubtedly gave us many opportunities to celebrate growth and effort, you may still find yourself wondering whether your child is fully prepared for the academic challenges ahead. If you find yourself here, there are a few summer activities that can help.
Academic Camps. Besides sports and outdoor camps, most cities and park districts offer academic camps. These can range from camps that build on existing skills to camps designed to maintain already learned skills. Consider your child’s specific needs and preferences, and you should be able to find something that will be a nice match. Check with your school or your local park district to see what is offered.
Workbooks. The workbook market is full of options tailored to specific grade levels, specific subjects, and specific interests. Look for something that fits your child’s needs and present it in a low-stress, fun way. Besides helping to maintain the skills your child has already learned, these can become a great activity that doesn’t involve a screen or require constant adult supervision.
Board Games. Board games can be an easy, fun way to practice academic skills in a very leisurely setting. A simple board game such as Trouble can address a range of skills: from counting, patterning, and addition to turn-taking, strategy, and conflict resolution. Get creative and have fun!
With every school year comes new challenges and opportunities; this upcoming school year probably more than most! But with some dedication and effort you can help your child have a productive summer that prepares them for what lies ahead. Wishing you and your child all the best in the coming school year and your return to “normal”!