students begin the 2012-2013 academic school year today. Hopefully, the backpacks are ready, the new school clothes ironed and bus schedules memorized, but there’s more to getting back into the routine of school then school supplies and making the bus on time.
Virginia Brown, Co-Owner of , Director of Special Services for Stonington Schools and the mother of two boys, shares five tips for getting everyone back to school.
Bedtime
It’s a word most children hate, but Brown says developing a consistent bedtime one that doesn’t fluctuate that much even on the weekends is important.
“You want them to feel rested and it helps them prepare for the day,” Brown said, adding that she loved the freedom of the summer but that routines during the school year are vital.
A Place And Time For Homework
Some kids will want to come home from school and get their homework out of the way right away, while others will need some downtown.
“Every child is different, but they need to do it before they get too tired,” Brown said.
According to Brown parents and students should have an agreed time set aside for homework and a spot for them to do their homework.
Talk About The Day
No matter the age of the student Brown said parents and students should make time to talk about what happened during the day.
“It doesn’t have to be some formal, big family meeting, it could just be five-minutes in the car while driving to the next activity,” Brown said.
For students that utter the phrases, nothing, or I don’t know when asked what they did or learned Brown suggests parents share something they did during the day.
“It’s more about the activity of talking,” Brown said.
Morning Routines
Families need a structured morning routine that works for them Brown said. She suggests parents decide on some rules such as will there be T.V. in the morning or not, and what children do first whether it’s eating breakfast or getting dressed.
One thing she says she does in her own household is have a visual schedule for her children that says first they get dressed, then they eat, then they brush their teeth.
“So parents aren’t frazzled by having to say did you brush your teeth, did you eat, did you put on your socks...,” Brown said adding that many children will feel empowered by responsibility.
Make Connections
Too often Brown said parents expect teachers to contact them and don't meet their child’s teacher until open house or parent teacher conferences.
“Make a connection with the teacher, parents need to reach out too.”
Brown suggests sending an email to the teacher or if the parent prefers to call or set up an in person meeting.
“When I was a teacher I loved hearing from parents,” Brown said.
