Ryan on his first day of kindergarten at Grandview Elementary.

The lazy, hazy days of summer are soon coming to an end for our children.  Playing outdoors until dark, daylong trips to the beach, amusement rides at Waldameer Park will soon be memories.  These casual days with few demands will no longer happen once school begins.

For us at ELBS, our students’ first day of school is August 25^th.  To help with the transition from summer to school, I’d encourage parents to begin exposing their sons and daughters to some of the elements of the school routine right now.

Some suggestions include:

• Slowly begin to return to your traditional bedtime and morning routines even if it’s simply going to bed and waking up 30 minutes earlier.
• Consider the type of demands that will be placed on your child the first week of school.  Would it be helpful if your child spent 30 minutes each day sitting at a table and working on a project?
• If you child is going into a new environment, write a social story as a way to introduce a new building, classroom or teacher.
  • Examples: My New School and Back To School
• Schedule a meeting with your child’s teachers and support staff.  Give them and your child the opportunity to get acquainted.  It is helpful to provide a handout describing what teaching methods and behavioral strategies work the best for your child.
• As a parent it is also important to prepare yourself.  The beginning of the school year can be an anxious and stressful time but it is essential for you to remain positive and calm, so that your child does not pick up on your anxiety.
• Last but not least plan a fun activity in September.  Give your child something to look forward especially if they are anxious about the new school year.

If you have any tips for a successful transition please share them.  I always appreciate discovering new ways to make the start of school fun and exciting.  Enjoy the rest of your summer and the start of a new school year.