This summer, has your child got used to extended screen time, fun holiday excursions and sleep-ins? They’re not alone. Heading back to school can be a big shock to a child’s system! Our teachers say that the three biggest challenges faced in the classroom on the return to school are:
- Organisation
- Tiredness
- Concentration
The good news is that with a little bit of preparation you can make the transition smoother. During the final weekend before School is back in full-swing, and in the first week back, it’s a great idea to get children back into good routines in the morning, evening and at bedtime. We also recommend supporting children to take age-appropriate ownership for their school bags, equipment and sports kit to help increase their independence and responsibility.
Read on a for a full list of suggestions that can help in the next few days:
Revise some learning from last year
There is information that estimates that over the long summer break students may forget up to 20% of their previous learning and, after many weeks of watching TV, using devices and enjoying extra freedom, children can struggle to settle and concentrate in classes.
Luckily, its not too difficult to turn these issues around so that your children are prepared and ready to shine. In the last few days before School resumes, you can plan to do some reading and a short piece of writing – perhaps a first person diary entry about the favourite thing they did over the break?
In the first week back really encourage the chidlren to get back into reading every night if this has reduced over the holidays and don’t forget to quiz on any books you have read this summer!
Adjust bedtimes
During school holidays, when children can sleep in, bedtimes might become later and even variable. However, when school starts students need to be ready early every day. So, they need good amounts of quality sleep and that means a regular bedtime, one that allows them to get enough sleep when they need to get up early.
Establish the school morning routine
Want to avoid the frustration of sleepy children forgetting what they need to do each day to get ready for school – or just taking forever to get ready? This is another thing that you can practise! You don’t need to get into uniform, but if your children have lost track of their school routine, make a checklist of what is needed each day, this could even feature photos of items if your child is young. Whatever works for your family.
Make sure that they have everything they need
Does your child’s uniform fit? Can they find their pencil case? Has their favourite pencil gone missing? Now is the time to get everything organised and as they get everything ready, children will start adjusting to the idea of being back in school. They will feel more excited, comfortable and prepared if they know that they have everything that they need and help organise this and pack their bags.