Back to School Essentials

     Back to School presents us with the unique set of challenges and exciting new opportunities.  Looking for ideas to help your child stay organized this year?  Would you like to create fun and exciting memories to last a lifetime?  This post will feature 3 key methods to assist you in doing both.  Read on to find out more!

     The first principle I suggest is to get organized.  While there are numerous tools on the market to help your child in this endeavor, remember to keep it simple.  There are 2 tools that I believe are a necessity.  First, I believe that color coding is a simple yet effective way to stay organized.  For instance, purchasing folders that are various colors and then placing a single dot of the same color on any textbook will make the process of finding the materials students need in their desk or locker much easier.  Additionally, purchasing highlighters so they can highlight various essential terms, dates and historical figures in three separate colors will help them in recalling these details for classes and quizzes.  Recently, in session, I had a student color code each digit in a larger number a separate color.  Why?  This not only brought the student’s attention to the digits, but emphasized placed value and assisted the child in correctly computing the answer.  Brain research suggests the right and left hemispheres of our brain process information very different functions.  By integrating words such as dates, terms and even digits with color, we are directly involving both hemispheres and thus improving long term recall.  Care to find out more about right and left brain learning?  Check out my earlier post here!

     The second principle I suggest is to check in with your child.  Often parents will have a conversation about this key transition the night before the child goes back to school.  Why not have this conversation in the few weeks before school starts and continue to check in throughout the year?  Carve out time during the morning drive, afternoon pickup or at the dinner table to discuss your child’s feelings about their current level of performance in the classroom. Is it still a challenge to find time to connect?   A weekly journal between the two of you may prove to be the support your child needs.   Having your child select a journal that inspires them and using writing instruments such as gel pens, Smencils and mechanical pencils may provide the motivation your child needs to begin writing.  However, once they get started, the closer connection with you will provide all the motivation they need to continue writing. 

     The third principle is simply to have fun!  There are simple traditions that once begun can provide a lasting memory in your child’s mind.  I often reflect on the first day of school and recall my mother singing the song School Days every afternoon following my first day of school.  I also recall the feeling of back to school shopping that accompanied this transition.  I looked forward to the purchase of fancy pencils and new notebooks for weeks proceeding the first day.  A special meal or trip to the local park can be methods for commemorating this special day.  I have noticed several individuals celebrating these days through whimsical pictures and YouTube videos of their child. Looking for more ideas?  Check out my freebie featured below.  It’s sure to instill excitement into your back to school routine!  Select the method that fits your family, and remember to have fun!