As the wonderful summer holidays come to an end, its time to start thinking about first day, the first week and months of school ahead. Its a time of transition for all children, young and old, for all parents, experienced and not so. Some kids will be looking forward to the new school days, other kids may be apprehensive. Apprehension may be about, entering, middle school or high school, facing tough academic subjects, fears about making new friends and the list can go on.
Here are 5 simple steps that can ease the transition for all ages
1. Getting into a routine of waking up on time: Summer is a time for late nights and lazy wake up. However, a week before the start of school, its a good idea to get into the routine of getting to bed on time and wake up on time. Research has pointed to evidence that sleep is essential for a healthy start. http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep
2. Organizing backpack. Getting pencils, books, homework folders organized early on is helpful. Most schools offer lists for each grade level. http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/homework-study-skills/messy-backpack-help-your-child-get-organized
3. Have a set place at home, where the back pack should be kept. It can be a table or the childs room. Start practicing early on for young children to keep the backpack in its place, make it a habit. This way when school starts its already a routine for them.
4. Visit the School before hand. If your child is apprehensive about a new school, take time to visit the school before hand. Walk through the school, point out the class room, bathroom etc.
5. Communicate with the teacher/ teachers. Meet with the teacher if your child has an IEP. Go over the goals and make a list of all that helped the child the previous academic year. Share it with the teacher if possible. http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504-plan.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with Dr. Datta please call 201-952-9905.