Five Easy Steps to Prepare Your Child for a Successful New School Year

As the days begin to grow slightly shorter and the nights just a tad cooler, we begin to note the end of summer and the start of yet another school year. I always have mixed feelings about this time of year as both an educator and as a mom. There’s a part of me that wants to hang on just a little bit longer to the lazy mornings and more relaxed schedule, (even though we are always busy rushing off to one form of therapy or a doctor’s appointment). However, there’s also a part of me (the nerdy part) that looks forward to buying school supplies, setting up my classroom, designing bulletin boards and getting my own children off to a great year. Throughout the years, I have developed a ‘Back-to-School Routine,” that helps my special needs child begin the year on a positive note. 

Here are a few strategies that have helped my child have a great start to the school year: 

1. Help your child transition to the change of season and routine. Plan a short shopping trip to go and look at school supplies, mix in the purchase of some sort of treat and/or plans for fun. For example, immediately after shopping for backpacks, we’ll also pick up a box of  healthy fruit snacks or Goldfish and then head for the town pool. This helps my son begin to realize that even though school is just around the corner, there is still time for some summer fun!
2. S-l-o-w-l-y (I cannot stress this enough- make the change seem as seamless as possible)  transition your child into a change of routine to help reduce stress and anxiety about the upcoming school year.For example we begin to revert back to earlier bedtimes, (although my son is very regimented with his daily routines and puts himself to bed between 8:00-8:30 p.m) a couple of weeks before the first day of school so that on the morning of the first day of school, we’re not all zombies! Start having your child re-establish morning, afternoon and evening routines. Begin to lay out their clothing for the next morning – even if it’s just a bathing suit and a pair of flip-flops.  I try to plan something fun for Evan to awake to, sometimes this means a super early game of UNO or listening to a YOUTUBE video about the updated version of Minecraft. It’s usually his choice as a reward for rising early!
3. Make a quick stop at your child’s school. If possible, call in advance so that your child may either meet and/or reunite with some of the office staff, school nurses, custodians (the unsung heroes of any school!) case manager, counselor, principal, etc. My son has been at the same school since 5th grade and now as a soon-to-be 8th grader he knows most everyone in the building. However, with each new year, there is a new form of challenge, so equipping Evan with some friendly and familiar faces helps to alleviate some of the first day jitters, stress and angst.
4.  Even if your child is returning to the same school and/or setting, take a few minutes to schedule a ‘drive by.’ This helps to reintroduce and transition your child to his/her environment. Depending on your child’s age and setting, this could be very beneficial. In addition to his cerebral palsy, Autism, tic disorder, he has ADHD and has difficulty with managing time, space and materials. We have permission to access Evan’s locker (he uses a key in place of a combination lock) before school starts. I usually have him give me a guided tour so that it doesn’t feel so ‘babyish’ as he puts it. It helps to solidify his understanding of where to locate the bathrooms, the gym, the nurse’s office, his counselor, the library, where he has PT, OT, speech, social skills group, etc.
5. Re-establish a routine, make sure that your child is clear on their daily activities. Make a daily ‘to-do’ list and/or a ‘Good morning checklist’ that outlines activities, chores, appointments, etc. We log everything on a calendar in the kitchen. Every person has a different color ink so that we can keep track of our busy lives. Help your child establish a routine that works for them. For example, my son is very literal, and before taking off his coat, will sit down to complete his homework. However, the completed homework will sit on the kitchen table if I don’t place it in his folder. We’re a work in progress!