Top tips for getting children ready for school

As many students return to face-to-face learning after more than one-and-a-half-year hiatus, feelings are mixed. But it’s a given that both kids and parents will adjust to the new normal in time.

Here are a few tips to ensure the transition from online learning to school learning is smooth and subtle both for parents and kids-

• Practice their morning routine for a few days leading up to the start of school.
  This will get them used to waking up early again and allow you to gauge how much time they need for each task to make the first day as smooth as possible.

• Go back to school shopping
  Obtaining all the items they need for school will help them (and you!) feel more prepared and excited.

• Have a chat with them
  Answer any questions they may have and give them an idea of what to expect from the year ahead, especially with the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

• Have them try on their uniform before the first day
  Making sure everything fits right beforehand will help you avoid any last-minute panic.

• Familiarise them with the school
  If this is their first day at a new school, driving them to see it before the big day can make it less daunting for them.

• Keep evenings as calm and relaxed as you can
  This will ensure that they have a restful night’s sleep so avoiding screens leading up to bedtime is ideal.

• Create a to do list for the morning so you can rest easy knowing they have not forgotten anything.

• Ensure proper breakfast before school
  Planning it ahead of time with them can make it easier in the morning and even get them excited about getting out of bed.

• Hiding potential distractions in the morning
  Putting away tablets and turning off televisions will avoid slowing down the children as they get ready for school. 

• Make it a celebration
  Having a special dinner the night before and taking photos in the morning before they set off can help them view their return to school not as something to be nervous about but proud and excited of.

Article courtesy- Swiss International School, Dubai
https://sisd.ae/