Back To School: How To Prepare

Getting ready for the new school year is not just about picking out school supplies and new clothes with your little girl.  Children need to become mentally prepared to change gears from constant play to a more disciplined learning structure.

Connect with Villa Maria friends.

Reacquainting your child with a familiar school friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. Make a playdate or sleepover for your child by calling parents from last year’s class and finding out which children are in your child’s upcoming class this year. Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a playdate or a school carpool.

Tool up.

We always encourage our students to be prepared for the first day of school by getting all the recommended school supplies on the list sent to you by the teacher.  Make a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help her feel prepared. Getting your child involved in buying the supplies will make her more invested and excited about starting the new year.  Of course, be sure to keep basic needs in mind, but budget in a few splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

Parent Tip: Our school supply lists are also a great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let her practice using supplies that she has not used before — such as colored pencils or a protractor — so she will be comfortable using them in class.

Avoid last-minute drilling.

We understand that you want to make sure your child is mentally prepared for the new year by refreshing last year’s materials, but don’t overload their minds.  We recommend some of the best ways to prepare your child is practicing your routine for a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Chat about today’s events and tomorrow’s plans.

While it is important to support learning throughout the summer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the rigors of school begin. For some kids, last-minute drills can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten instead of getting them excited about what is to come.