Back to School Tips for Young Children

For our youngest students, the start of a new school year is an exciting adventure! One that is full of hope and excitement, but not completely free from the occasional twist and turn. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your little one is well-prepared and supported in these first, important days of the new school year:

●      Have your child’s vision checked prior to starting school, and if necessary, help them adjust to glasses before school begins.

●      Make consistent, punctual school attendance a priority for your family. Consistent daily attendance helps young children settle into the school routine more easily, and is the most effective way to reduce separation anxiety.

●      Ensure that your child is well rested: children aged 3-6 need 10-12 hours of sleep each night.

●      Send healthy, familiar foods for snacks and lunches.

●      Get to know your child’s teachers, and maintain open, friendly communication with them.

●      Read school communication carefully; check your e-mail every day.

●      Attend school events as much as your schedule allows.

●      Complete a police check so that you are able to volunteer for field trips or special events.

●      Expose your child to a rich variety of real-life experiences, and minimize screen-time.

●      Read to your child every day, and talk about the things you read together.

●      Encourage your child’s developing independence around tasks such as dressing, eating, tidying up, carrying her/his own belongings, etc.

●      Let your child help with simple household chores. Even three-year-old children are more than ready to:

○      put cutlery in the dishwasher (and sort it by spoon/fork/knife when it is clean)

○      match socks after laundry

○      feed a pet

○      put their own shoes & coats away

○      help put toys away after playing

●      Provide lots of opportunities for open-ended play.

●      Ensure your child has comfortable, sturdy outdoor clothing for all kinds of weather.

●      Spend time outdoors, in all kinds of weather: exploring, playing, hiking, noticing the changes that weather and seasons bring.