Preparing Children for School

August 30, 2017 Elsa Orlandini

Summer is coming to an end and many families are starting to prepare for the beginning of the school year. Most children experience disruptions to their routines over the summer vacation. For example, their sleep schedules change drastically and they lose the habit of doing homework everyday. This is likely to cause increased frustration in parents as they realize the first day of school is approaching. However, if parents begin to prepare for the school year early on, then it is likely that the school year will begin as smoothly as possible. Below we provided some recommendations of preparing children for school.

Preparing children for the upcoming school year

Preparing Children for School

We recommended that families begin to implement their structured routines and schedules at least one week prior to the first day of school. Specifically, we recommend to establish the appropriate bedtime, decrease time using electronics, organize school supplies, and establish a homework area. Additionally, schedule any required doctors appointments for annual check ups or vaccinations as soon as possible, as well as any gifted or psycho-educational evaluations which may be required for certain classroom placements.

A School Visit

Furthermore, if your child will begin the school year in a new school, we recommend to schedule a school visit before the first day of school. It will help your child feel more comfortable. The first day of school can be an overwhelming experience for many children. Therefore, being able to find their classroom easily may help decrease some of the first day anxiety. Talking to your child about fears or anxiety they may be experiencing will help you gain more of an understanding of their thought process. It can also help decrease the possibility of school refusal or school anxiety.

Lastly, meeting with a qualified psychologist may also help children and families feel more prepared for the upcoming school year. Please contact Miami Psychology Group if you are interested in psychotherapy services focused on preparing children for school for the upcoming school year. We serve Miami and Miami Beach areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ease the transition back to school, start implementing your child's school routine at least a week before school begins. This includes setting an appropriate bedtime, minimizing screen time, and organizing school materials. Creating a designated homework area can also help your child get back into the learning mindset.

Visiting the new school before the first day helps your child become familiar with their new environment, reducing first-day nerves and enabling them to find their classroom easily. This can alleviate anxiety and help your child feel more secure and prepared.

Discuss any fears or anxiety your child might feel about returning to school, helping you understand their thought processes. This can prevent issues like school refusal or anxiety. Consulting a psychologist can also provide additional support to ease emotional transitions.

It is advisable to schedule your child's annual check-ups and vaccinations well before the school year begins. Additionally, if your child requires gifted or psycho-educational evaluations, arrange these as early as possible to ensure they're ready for any special classroom placements.

Psychologists can offer support and guidance to help children manage any anxiety or emotional challenges they face when starting school. They can provide personalized strategies to ensure your child starts the school year with confidence and ease.