As the summer sun begins to set earlier, it can only mean one thing: back to school season is upon us!
For elementary school kids, this time of year is filled with excitement, but it can also bring a bit of nervousness. A few simple tips can help make the transition back to school smooth and successful!
1. Start the day right: organize with the essentials
Getting back into a school routine can be challenging after a long, relaxed summer. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth morning is by helping your child stay organized with a planner.
These planners can track homework and can help kids plan their days, remember important dates, and even jot down thoughts or goals.
2. Make it their own
Personalized items help children feel more excited about their school supplies.
Waterproof labels are a fantastic way to ensure that all their items, from lunch boxes to water bottles, are easily identifiable. Let your kids or grandkids choose their favourite colours or designs for the labels, making it a fun pre-school activity.
Labelling items like their backpack or their Thermos prevents mix-ups at school and gives kids a sense of ownership over their belongings.
3. The importance of a good lunch setup
Proper hydration and nutrition are critical for a successful school day.
Equip your kids with a rambler or a water bottle to keep their drinks cold throughout the day.
Pair this with a lunch box that’s big enough to pack all the healthy snacks and meals they’ll need to fuel learning and fun.
Encourage packing the night before and involve the kids in choosing what they’d like to eat; this can make them more excited about lunchtime and ensure they’re eating what’s packed.
4. Supplies that spark joy
School supplies don’t have to be boring. Choose items that spark creativity, like Crayola Silly Scent pens or acrylic paint pens.
These supplies can make colouring and drawing more fun, which is especially important for younger children who express themselves through art.
A cute practical pencil case with a fun design will keep all these colourful supplies in one place.
Inside, include highlighters for older kids who are starting to highlight important information in their books or notes.
5. Fun and engaging learning
Learning is more enjoyable when kids have the right tools. For younger children just learning to write, pencil grips can make holding pencils easier and more comfortable.
An eraser and shaving roller can make tidying up small mistakes fun, while an electric pencil sharpener ensures pencils are always sharp and ready for action - no more excuses for not doing homework!
6. Make homework fun
Once the school day is over, it’s important to have a routine for homework.
Using a clear paper pocket can be a game-changer for practicing math problems, spelling words or even drawing. It’s reusable, so kids can practice over and over without wasting paper.
7. Encourage independence
As children grow, it’s important to encourage their independence. Teach them to pack their own backpack each evening with everything they’ll need for the next day. This small task builds responsibility and helps them feel prepared for class.
Use the planner to make a checklist of what needs to go in the backpack each day, making it easier for kids to remember things like their Thermos, Crayola pens, and lunch box.
Starting a new school year is a big step, but with a little preparation, it can be an exciting and smooth transition!
– We independently select the products we feature.
When you buy through our links, Black Press Media may earn a commission.
READ MORE: Are we there yet? 10 essential tools to get your vehicle road trip-ready
