Here are our top tips to ensure that your kids are set up for back-to-school success:
- Build up anticipation
2020 was a difficult year for everyone and there can be a lot of anxiety around starting a new school year. It’s important to build up positive anticipation. Go for a walk or ice-cream and listen to any concerns your kids may have. They may need some extra love, support and encouragement in anticipation of the new school year.
- Label EVERYTHING
In the excitement of starting a new year, it’s easy to lose things. Nobody wants to have to buy additional stationery or uniforms so make sure everything is clearly labelled. Pro-tip: Label the top margin of your child’s workbooks according to the subject so it’s easy to spot and take out of the bag in the classroom!
- Put some prep in your step!
It’s easy to lose track of what you must do in the mornings. Avoid panicking about what to give your kids for lunch or forgetting their workbooks at home by prepping in advance. Make sure bags are packed and lunch snacks are put aside the night before. Use the weekend to get things like laundry and grocery shopping done.
- Bags on stand-by
Whether you keep them in the boot or by the door, it’s best to have school bags on stand-by. Ensure they’ve been prepped for the following day so your kids can grab and go knowing they haven’t forgotten anything. Don’t forget to pack in a hand sanitiser and mask!
Pro tip: Have a checklist somewhere visible so kids can pack their bags themselves!
- Make your alarm go the distance!
Waking up early is just as hard on parents as it is on kids. To prevent the temptation to hit the snooze button, put your alarm somewhere in walking distance. Make sure it’s loud enough for you to hear. Another trick is to open the window as soon as the alarm is off. The fresh air will help you wake up!
- Make a school playlist
Mornings can either be stressful or just plain boring. Why not compile a playlist with everyone’s favorite songs to start the day off on a great note? You can listen to it while getting ready or on the way to school. It’s a great way for everyone to have fun.
- Weekly calendar
Extra-mural activities. Assignments. Homework. Tests. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget what needs to be done. Have a visual weekly calendar that the whole family has access to so that everyone knows what to expect each day of the week.
- Create a learning space
It’s important for your child to have a distraction-free space to get studying and homework done. Try make sure that it’s well-ventilated and that their chair is comfortable!
Pro-tip: Have workplace stationery that doesn’t leave the house (save on stationery by using supplies that may have been left over from previous years). This means that you won’t have to run around the house looking for a pencil sharpener or pen.
- Guardian folder
In the first few weeks of school, there is a lot of communication between the school and parents. Make communication between you and the school a breeze by having a bright colored folder dedicated to all school communication. This ‘guardian folder’ is a great way to ensure nothing gets lost or forgotten.
- Connect, Connect, Connect!
Your kids’ teachers will be spending a lot of time with them. Make yourself open to communication. Don’t be scared to ask them how you can help get the most out of your child’s education. It’s also a good idea to connect with other parents. Being a part of the school community can be a huge help to your child’s academic and social experience. Plus, you’ll have familiar faces to chat to at extra-mural activities!
Bonus hack:
Pick n Pay School Club has educational resources to supplement your child’s learning experience. Take advantage of the free class lessons and exercises to help your child excel.
