| Unfortunately, August is already here, and that means | | | | new ones for your child to participate and connect the |
| the start of the new school year is within reach. In | | | | muscle-brain function for increased knowledge |
| addition to school supply shopping and new clothes, | | | | retention. |
| preparation of attitude and organization will ensure the | | | | Students who are the most successful in school are |
| best beginning. | | | | those who are organized. Prior to the opening of |
| Let's start with the obvious - good health habits. In the | | | | school, prepare a clean work area in a quiet place for |
| summer regular sleeping habits may have changed a | | | | your child to work on homework and school project. |
| bit. A gradual change back to earlier waking will make | | | | This place can be a desk, table, or an area of a family |
| the difference in a child's ability to successfully | | | | room. Creating a habit of working in the same area will |
| connecting the review of old knowledge with the | | | | enable a child to settle quickly into a learning |
| introduction of new during the important first weeks | | | | environment without diversions. |
| back to school. | | | | There are some children who work better with music |
| A more relaxed schedule probably also included | | | | in the background. If this is the case for your child, have |
| changes in diet and meal times. Agree on a specific | | | | the music available through speakers in the room, not |
| time to have a family meal together whenever | | | | ear plugs or ear buds. Using speakers allows |
| possible. This should be a time where all family | | | | adjustment of volume creating less of a distraction for |
| members gather and share information regarding the | | | | the child. |
| day's activities. When this ritual becomes a routine it | | | | These are just a few of the ways you can help |
| creates a safe and comfortable place for you and | | | | prepare your child for a new learning experience. The |
| your child to discuss daily school activities which will | | | | beginning of each school year contains many potential |
| reinforce learning. | | | | forms of emotion; fear, excitement, anxiety, and hope. |
| Many children have been more physically active during | | | | Begin to provide safety and success in dealing with |
| the summer months than during the school year. Plan | | | | the changes with careful planning and enjoy the |
| ways in advance to keep either the same activities or | | | | journey with your child. |