It is already August! Time flies. Many schools offer students a summer break. It can be a time of freedom from the routine that the school year includes. Hopefully the family enjoyed the break and made some happy memories. As the school year approaches, it is a good time to finish up those activities that you had planned for the break and also to begin getting ready for the upcoming school year.
Parents and caregivers may want to think about how to make the transition as easy as possible for children. If bedtimes have been later or more flexible during the summer months, it can be a good idea to start the new earlier bedtimes prior to the night before the first day of school. Similarly, if young ones have been able to sleep late in the morning during the summer months, it can make the first week of school less grumpy if they are already accustomed to getting up early. In the two weeks prior to the first day of school, parents can guide children to begin using the new sleep schedule. This way by the time school begins their sleep rhythm will already have adjusted.
Participating in school kick off events can also be important to decrease anxiety on the first day. Schools often have orientation or open house events that students can attend with their family. It can be a time to learn about the upcoming school year, tour the school, and meet teachers and the principal. These opportunities can make the first day less unfamiliar and can be an opportunity for caregivers to ask any questions they may have.
School websites can be a great source of information about what school supplies your student will need. If purchasing school supplies is a challenge, school personnel can direct families to places to get free school supplies. One example is the Back to School Bonanza Event sponsored by COTS in Burlington on August 2nd for K-12 students. Students feel confident when they have the tools they need to succeed.
Often the summer has been a time of growth that can mean new sizes for clothing and shoes. When this occurs, families can sometimes feel their budget is stretched by this expense. An organization called Resource partners with 25 non-profits across Vermont to provide essential goods, including clothing, to Vermonters; (a complete list of these partners is here). For all needs, Vermonters can dial 211 to get assistance finding resources of all kinds that families may want to access with the school year approaching.
Time away from school during the summer can be so necessary and come with more relaxed routines. The month of August is a great time to take steps to make the transition back to school easy and less stressful. Parents and caregivers can start school-friendly bedtime and rising routines a few weeks prior to the start of school so that their student will be alert and ready on day one. Checking the school website for important information and attending orientation events is a great way to prepare for the change. Planning for upcoming purchases, such as school supplies and clothing, including accessing community resources, will be an exciting and fun adventure for the family. When caregivers take these kinds of steps during the weeks leading up to the first day of school, students are more likely to be ready to learn and settle in.
Vermont Parent Helpline: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) M-F 8:30am to 4:30am
Confidential Chat with Us: pcavt.org
Vermont Parent Home Companion and Resource Directory: pcavt.org/vt-parents-home-companion