Author: Suzie Vance, EnviroPerks
A new school year is upon us. This can be an exciting time for students and parents – and sometimes a bit scary too. Plan to make the transition from summer schedule to school schedule an easy and fun one with these tips:
1. Sleep for school.
Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routine before school starts is a crucial step in preparing your children for their new schedule and ensuring that they are well rested and able to do their best at school.
2. Walk through it.
Escorting younger children to the classroom can help with the transition. Familiarize your children with key places such as the bathroom, gym, library, and cafeteria — they’ll feel more confident if they know where everything is. Attend your school’s open house with your children so that they can meet their new teacher(s) and school staff.
3. Talk it out.
Talking to your children about school is important. Each year brings with it a new set of challenges and responsibilities. Help your children by talking with them throughout the school year. You are their best advocate and are best equipped to help them navigate their expanding environment.
4. Keep your eyes (and ears) open.
If your children’s eating or sleeping habits have changed drastically, it may be a sign that they are having difficulty adjusting to their new grade. The first few weeks of school are a time of transition and can be a bit overwhelming for everyone. Expect some changes as the year progresses.
5. Connect.
Communicating with your children’s teacher on a regular basis is an essential part of caring for their education. Teachers can alert you to any emotional, social, or academic difficulties they perceive in your children at school and you can do the same for changes at home.
6. Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
Encourage your children to explore ways in which they can reuse or repurpose items from their previous school year. School supply lists often list the supplies expected to be needed for the entire school year. Instead of buying all of the supplies at one time, buy what your children might need in a school quarter. You can then determine how much will be needed for the next quarter, thereby reducing the amount of unused supplies at the end of the school year. Encourage your children to explore ways in which they can help to recycle at home and at school. Let them know that their efforts matter.
7. Redeem EnviroPerks rewards points.
Lead by example! Many of our Reward Partners offer rewards that children love. Redeem your points often and let your children know when you are redeeming a reward that you love. If they are old/mature enough, consider adding them to your EnviroPerks account so that they can redeem rewards that interest them.