Best Blog for Kids Who Hate to Read: Back to School Tips

Some kids are starting school this week; others have been back for a while. After a summer of less structure, getting back into school mode can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for getting off to a good start.

1. Establish a place to keep all school information.

Your child’s teacher(s) and contact information
Your child’s schedule
The school calendar
Documents such as report cards, behavior plan, Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), immunizations, any document you think you may want to refer to through the year

2. School Clothes

Inventory your child’s school clothes and discard/recycle mismatched socks, clothes that don’t fit, clothes your child doesn't like... Getting these things out of the way will streamline getting dressed for school
Consider setting out school clothes the night before. This greatly helps the morning preparations.

3. Morning Routine

Brainstorm with your child what needs to be done before he goes out the door in the morning. Things like getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth…
Write it down! In the morning, if your child needs reminders, all you need to do is have her check her routine card.
Build in a reward. Checklist completed? Brainstorm what can happen (watch TV, get points towards a reward, computer time…)

4. Launching Pad

Establish a place near the front door to collect all that needs to go out the door. Things like backpacks, lunch, shoes, jackets – whatever you don’t want to have to search the house for.

5. Homework

Set up a routine. This is a very individual thing. A routine is best if your child has input.
Consider when your child is freshest and most motivated. Right after school? After dinner? For some kids, the morning is a good time. It’s risky, of course, but it’s something to consider.
If possible, establish a dedicated homework area. This will need to reflect your child’s work style. Some kids do just fine in their rooms, others need to be where you can monitor their on-task behavior.

These tips have come from 3 sources. Please check out them out for more ideas.

Friendship Circle

http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2011/08/15/11-tips-for-a-less-stressful-school-year/

Pragmatic Mom

http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=19948

Stress Free Kids

http://www.stressfreekids.com/3357/backtoschool-confession

Here are 2 sites that have downloadable resources you may find helpful.

Reading Rockets

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/42905/

School Family

http://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tools/category/65-checklists-calendars-charts-a-labels