| As the first day of school approaches, parents and | | | | for an opportunity to see the dramatic progress and |
| children alike begin to run the gamut of emotions: | | | | growth from summer to summer. |
| excitement, fear, anticipation, anxiety. For those who | | | | 3. Get into the academic mindset with an inspirational |
| will be experiencing a child's very first day of school, | | | | movie about life in school. There are flicks from every |
| you may feel torn between the joy of leading your | | | | stage of learning. Talk about what you see in the |
| child through a momentous milestone and the sadness | | | | movie that relates to students, teachers, homework, |
| of knowing that your child is taking yet another step | | | | and school spirit. |
| out from under your influence and protection. However, | | | | 4. Begin a few weeks early to adopt the routine of a |
| preparing your child for school can have the beneficial | | | | school day. Help children get back into the habit of |
| effects of soothing nerves and strengthening bonds. | | | | early wakeup and early bedtime. Add some more |
| Here are a few ways to help you and your child | | | | structure to the day by assigning an activity/reading |
| transition easily into the next important step. | | | | time. Everyone grabs some type of reading material or |
| | | | workbook and works quietly on their own. |
| 1. Make a big deal out of gathering school supplies. Set | | | | 5. Give your child a proper sendoff. Whether it is a |
| aside time during the evening or weekend to focus on | | | | favorite activity, a party with family and friends, or a |
| the needs of your student-to-be. If possible, arrange | | | | special dinner, let your child know how special each |
| time alone to dig together through items you already | | | | new stage of education is and how proud you are of |
| have or to make a trip to a local store for a little | | | | his accomplishments. |
| back-to-school shopping. | | | | The start of the school year is a time to start fresh. |
| 2. Celebrate the last hurrah of summer. Choose your | | | | Children wipe the slate clean of the previous year and |
| favorite summer activity and make a point to say | | | | begin anew. Communicate your expectations and |
| goodbye until next summer. Take some pictures of | | | | offer your complete support as your child prepares to |
| your child in front of a recognizable object, such as a | | | | embark on her next great learning adventure. |
| tree in the front yard or the swing set in the back yard | | | | |