We asked teachers on Scholastic's Teachers Facebook page to share tips with parents about making the first day of school a great start to the new school year. This is what they unanimously shared:
1. Adjust Routines Early. Try getting your kids back into a routine at least a week ahead of time. Kids need time to adjust to new morning and bedtime routines and a good night's sleep makes all the difference in the classroom – especially on the first day!
2. Be Positive! The first day of school can be exciting for some kids but anxiety-filled for others. Keep an enthusiastic spirit about the new year and share stories with your kids about your first days of school and what you loved about the grade they'll be going into.
3. Pack Supplies. Even if you haven't received a supply list from your kids' teachers yet, pack a few sharpened pencils, a notebook, and a folder. They'll be ready for day one and you can fill in the rest when the list comes home.
4. Plan a Short Goodbye Ritual. Before you drop your kids off on day one, plan out a ritual for saying goodbye so they know what to expect. Keep it personal, positive, and short. Kids have a harder time with lingering goodbyes.
5. Be on Time. Racing up the school steps after the bell rings will heighten kids' anxiety. Give yourself plenty of time to get to school. Arriving a few minutes early, especially on day one, will give kids a moment to adjust and reduces first-day jitters.
We'd love to hear your ideas for how to make your kids' first day of school the best. Share your favorite tips with us on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page.