Getting Kids Ready for School

I couldn't believe it. I read in the local paper last Friday that many schools in Calaveras County were going to be open for business beginning Monday, July 28th. When I was growing up, we didn't start school until after Labor Day (the first weekend in September). (Was it that way for you?) Whether your child's school begins in July, August or September, the bottom line is you want to do your best to help him or her to be ready for Day 1 and beyond. To that end, I've got some quick pointers from a scholastic.com article by Evelyn Ngeow entitled: "10 Teachers' Tips for Kick-Starting the New School Year." I've summarized her list in my own words for those of you on the run. You can read the entire article by clicking HERE. Here are the pointers...

To help prepare your kids for school (and keep them going all year long)...

1. Adjust their sleep schedule in advance.
2. Talk about the positives of going to and being in school.
3. Especially escort the younger kids to school and acquaint them with the surroundings.
4. Purchase new clothes and school supplies.
5. Show interest by asking about their happenings at school and how school is going.
6. Be available to help with homework.
7. Participate in school events.
8. Don't overlook mood changes that could indicate problems.
9. Read with and to your children.
10. Keep lines of communication open with teachers.