By Sarah Baray, Ph.D., CEO
Photos courtesy of Pre-K 4 SA
Pre-K 4 SA is San Antonio’s premier early learning initiative, delivering high-quality education through four model education centers and supporting more than 90 partner programs citywide. As summer comes to a close, families across the city are preparing for the return to school—especially those sending a child to school for the first time.
To support a smooth transition, we’ve been sharing helpful tips with families throughout the summer. Now, as the first day of school draws near, these tips become especially timely. Whether your child is entering a classroom for the first time or returning for another great year, these strategies can help children of all ages feel confident, prepared, and excited for school.
Establish routines
Children thrive on structure, especially during times of change. A few weeks before school begins, gradually shift back into school-year routines. First, create or reestablish appropriate morning and bedtime routines. Children and families need ample time to adjust to waking up and going to bed early. During the summer season, routines become more relaxed, so as the first day of school approaches, it is a good idea for families to develop or return to those regular habits. Next, establish regular meal patterns. Align breakfast, lunch, and snack time with the school schedule to help children become familiar with usual meal times. Finally, make it a habit to take a few minutes each evening to prepare for the next day. Pack lunches and backpacks. Pick out clothes. Talk about any changes that may happen the next day. It is especially important to let children know who will pick them up at the end of the day and at what time.
Visit the school
Familiarity with the school environment can make a big difference in easing first-day nerves. If possible, schedule a tour of your child’s school. A visit to the school can provide an opportunity to become familiar with the location. Often, there are opportunities for children and families to meet the teacher, talk to administration, and walk around the school. Take this as an opportunity to find the classroom location and identify pick-up and drop-off locations and common areas. This is a wonderful opportunity to get an insight into the classroom and familiarize yourselves with staff. Children may even have a chance to meet other students before the big day. Even if you cannot tour inside the building, it’s worth taking a trip to the school just to walk around the outside.
After the visit, talk with your child about how they feel about beginning or returning to school. Give your child an opportunity to share what excites them about school and address any potential concerns they might have. Listen to your child and support them in the transition.
Prepare together
Back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity to involve your child in preparing for the year ahead. Before heading out to the store, talk with your child to set expectations. Review the school supply list. Go through the closet to see what still fits and what items might be needed. Then, make a list of what you are going to buy. Talking beforehand and having a list helps set expectations and can prevent children from becoming overwhelmed by all the choices. Stores create enticing displays to encourage customers to buy certain products. Some of those displays are targeted at children, and they work. Use the list to help children focus on what is needed. When children ask to buy an item, have them look at the list to see if the item is on there. If not, remind them you are only buying what is on the list.
Do a practice run
In the week before school starts, schedule a practice run to build familiarity and confidence. Go through all the motions and have your child get dressed, prepare a backpack with supplies, and identify the best time to leave to get to school before start time. Learn the route and practice the drop-off and pick-up for an efficient process. It is truly a team effort, and by working together, you can help your child be ready for day one.
Arrive early on the first day
The first day of school can be filled with excitement and nerves. Arriving early helps everything go more smoothly. Whether you plan to walk your child to their classroom or drop them off, it is important for your child to have enough time to get settled without having to rush. The last thing you want is for your child to be late to begin their day.
Stay connected.
Once the day is done, don’t forget to talk with your child. Ask them to tell you about what went well and the challenges they encountered. This will provide insight into their school day. Keep this practice, even after day one, to take time to learn about their day so you can better support their growth and development.
Staff at Pre-K 4 SA are excited to begin another school year. We hope these tips will help you and your child be prepared for day one and the school year ahead.
To learn more about Pre-K 4 SA, www.prek4sa.com.
