Can you believe it? It's back to school already! Here in New England we've had a really cool summer which makes it that much more difficult to believe, but the calendar confirms it, time to get ready for the school days boogie.
Susan Wornick, in a NECN talk show bearing her name, interviewed Dr. Kathleen Buckley, a public school administrator. During the interview, Dr. Buckley offered several suggestions to prepare children for their routines. These suggestions included making a visit to the school playground, asking to visit the classroom and teacher if no formal orientation is offered, make sure summer homework and reading lists have been completed (My son had a reading list and he's only entering the second grade) and spend some time with your child discussing and concerns or fears he may be experiencing.
I have three boys heading off to school this year. I like to prepare them for their return to the school year routine by spend time with them individually as well as together as we work through planned activities on our "Back to School Advent Calendar".
What is a "Back to School Advent Calendar"? you ask. Just fun ways to prepare for school, much like waiting for Christmas. We have three children, so our calendar begins three weeks before the start of school. It is computer generated then decorated by the boys. Each child is scheduled a "Mom and me day". Yes, schedule it. Put in on your calendar in red ink so you're sure not to miss it! On "Mom and me day" we shop for an outfit or two, pick out the necessary supplies (crayons, markers, scissors, etc.) delineated in a letter from the teacher which usually arrives during the first week or two of August. We have lunch at a restaurant of the child's choice (but not fast food so we have an atmosphere conducive to conversing) and maybe a movie, museum or other activity we haven't had the opportunity to do during the summer.
Next, we plot out crafting days. Time to make and organize an area for homework. Much to my surprise, my eldest son had a considerable amount of homework in the first grade! Making an area comfortable and inviting will make doing homework more pleasurable. Organize it so all supplies are available and decorate it so that your child will want to be there. The following sites offer some craft activities you and your child will enjoy.
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