Revisit the organizational system. Go over the importance of staying organized! Whether your child uses a homework folder, student planner, or smartphone app, make sure they have a system in place and start the year off using it! Clean off desks and make sure your home is ready for the school year, with new pencils, paper and other supplies, and a family calendar in a central location.- Go over your school day routine. Summer usually offers a relaxed “go-with-the-flow” schedule, but come August, it’s a good idea to go over the routine your family will have once school is back in session. Start waking up your child a little earlier before school starts and having a regular evening routine (dinner, reading, bath, and bed).
- Refresh the memory on last year’s school work. The “summer slide” is a serious problem with many students losing months of knowledge gained the previous school year. If your child hasn’t touched a book all summer, it’s not too late to make up some ground and get them reading every night before bed. You can also look through some of last year’s assignments – like math and refresh their memory.
- Have positive conversations. The end of summer can induce stress for children. Embrace a positive attitude and talk to your child about what changes you would both like to make this school year to make sure it starts off on the right foot. Remind your child that no problem is insurmountable and you are there to help.
Sarah Caudle, PA-C
