By: Molly Luke, Early Intervention Specialized Instruction Teacher, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Norristown, PA
Been to TARGET lately? They've been getting me ready for
school since the 4th of July! Yes, families...it's that time of year
to start stocking up on markers, new back-packs and back-to-school clothing
sales! But is your child REALLY ready for school? Is your young child confident
to start the year? That's what it's all about…confidence. Your child might not
be the 4 year-old valedictorian, but you need to ask yourself if your child can
walk into the classroom feeling empowered and eager.
As a teacher of 10 years (mostly preschool age) and a mom of
a two year old, here is a list of MUST DO's to think about in preparation for
that first day. (lists are in no particular order!)
As a teacher of 10 years (mostly preschool age) and a mom of a two year old, here is a list of MUST DO's to think about in preparation for that first day. (lists are in no particular order!)
Age newborn to 3: Child Care kids
Pre-School Kids
In summary, I hope the above was a
good helpful list to get you back to school. Just one thing to leave you
on…please do not ask your child "what happened at school today?" This
is an open-ended question and it is hard for a child to answer. Try and narrow
it down to make your child feel that you care, and brush up on what really is
going on in school. i.e. How was gym class today? Who did you play with on the
playground? How did your presentation go? Was the test hard? This way, you will
get a little more information when you narrow down the topic. And hopefully you
won't get the classic "nothing" response, because your child will be
impressed that you remembered something specific about the day. Besides, reverse
the situation…do you want to tell them about your typical work day- UGH, NO!
But maybe you did have a conference, presentation, out-of-the-ordinary event
that would make it worthwhile to share. Enjoy your back to school milestones!
PS - Take our back to school survey for a chance to win great prizes!
About the Author: Hello! I have been teaching for about 10 years now, ages Pre-K through 8th grade…needless to say, I am a life-long learner and always looking for new thing to challenge my body and brain to do in a classroom! Outside of the classroom, family comes first! My husband Dan, baby Marshall and basset hound Penelope enjoy my naturally caffeinated personality on a regular basis. The whole family enjoys traveling, and I personally have a goal of visiting all 7 continents! 2 more to go!
Great list of reminders of things for parents to get their kids ready for school.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!
DeleteI love the example questions you gave. It's so important to ask direct questions rather than open ended.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Do you have other questions that you like to ask?
DeleteEstablishing routines helped us out a lot. Volunteering is definitely important to do whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteTeachers love the help of others, especially the parents/care givers! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteVery important to ask direct questions, kids can get so confused. Routines are important for my kid as well.
ReplyDeleteYup! What is your routine like?
DeleteI appreciate tips like this so much. Routines make our lives easier as moms.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It makes everyone's lives easier!
DeleteRoutine is so important for my daughter. If she's out of routine she can be a grumpy cat.
ReplyDeleteHaha grumpy cat!! Love it. But yes, when kids are so use to one thing they can easily be thrown off when it doesn't happen.
DeleteI love this tips and Great reminders for the parents, Routines are important to the kids
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!
DeleteThese are very helpful tips. Asking direct questions can help avoid confusions.
ReplyDeleteWhat questions do you like to ask?
DeleteIt applies to adult, too! Doing a routine can stay someone on focus and productive.
ReplyDeleteVery true! I don't know too many spontaneous adults!
DeleteRoutines are really important in our home. If things get thrown off a bit, our kids feel it. Even through the summer, we try to keep things as close to their school year schedule.
ReplyDeleteGo you! I bet it is really hard to stick to that routine in the summer but I am sure your kids appreciate it when they go back to school.
DeleteWE love like routine and dressing up! We are working on learning manners too.
ReplyDeleteManners are really hard to master but make a big difference in the long run!
DeleteRoutines are important for kids. My kids did better once we started a routine.
ReplyDeleteHow old were your kids when you started? Is it ever too late (too old) to start a routine?
DeleteSuch a great list of ways to prep the kids for school! Since my hubby is a future teacher, we are both thankful for this list! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck to your hubby! I am sure teachers love routines!
DeleteThese are great lists for age breakdowns. I loved the example questions, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks! A lot of things change at different ages so it is important to remember that!
DeleteMy little guy does so much better when we stick to a routine. I'm not sure if it's more becuase he's two or because he's like me.
ReplyDeleteMy little guy does so much better when we stick to a routine. I'm not sure if it's more becuase he's two or because he's like me.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was in pre-school, I always make sure she knows what will happen the next day by telling her. I also set up a routine for her.
ReplyDelete