Coding for Kids
As summer winds down, the buzz of back-to-school prep begins to fill the air. Parents and students start gearing up for the transition from lazy days to structured schedules. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to make this year’s back-to-school prep a breeze.
Let’s face it: getting ready for a new school year can be overwhelming. There’s much to consider – from school supplies to bedtime routines. But with some planning and strategies, you can set your family up for success.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about back-to-school prep, including some surprising tips you might not have considered.
Table Of Contents:
- Start with the Basics: Creating a Back-to-School Checklist
- The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start Your Back-to-School Prep Early
- Create a Command Center: The Hub of Back-to-School Prep
- Tackle the Closet: A Key Part of Back-to-School Prep
- Set Up a Homework Station
- Meal Prep: A Game-Changer in Back-to-School Prep
- Address the Emotional Side of Back-to-School Prep
- FAQs about Back-to-school prep
- Conclusion
Start with the Basics: Creating a Back-to-School Checklist
The first step in any successful back-to-school prep is creating a comprehensive checklist. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any crucial items or tasks. Here’s a starter list to get you going:
- School supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.)
- New clothes and shoes
- Backpack and lunch box
- Health check-ups and vaccinations
- Haircut appointment
- Organize study space at home
- Set up a family calendar
Remember, every family’s needs are different, so feel free to customize this list to fit your specific situation. To make things even easier, you can download our printable back-to-school preparation checklist for a more detailed guide.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start Your Back-to-School Prep Early
One of the best pieces of advice I can give for back-to-school prep is to start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin your preparations. Ideally, you should start at least a month before school begins. This gives you plenty of time to tackle everything on your checklist without feeling rushed or stressed.
Gradually Adjust Sleep Schedules
One often overlooked aspect of back-to-school prep is adjusting sleep schedules. After a summer of late nights and lazy mornings, it can be a shock to the morning routine system to suddenly wake up early for school. To make the transition smoother, start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times gradually, about two weeks before school starts.
Getting back into a school sleep schedule won’t happen overnight. Try moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few days until you reach the desired school night bedtime. This gradual approach can help prevent those dreaded first-day-of-school morning battles.
Shop Smart for School Supplies
When it comes to ultimate back-to-school supplies, it pays to be strategic. Before hitting the stores, take inventory of what you already have at home. You might be surprised by how many perfectly good supplies are lurking in desk drawers or closets.
Once you know what you need, keep an eye out for sales. Many stores offer back-to-school specials throughout the summer. By spreading out your purchases, you can take advantage of the best deals and avoid the last-minute rush.
Create a Command Center: The Hub of Back-to-School Prep
One of the most effective ways to stay organized during the school year is to create a family command center. This centralized spot can be the hub for all your back-to-school prep and beyond. Here’s how to set one up:
Choose a Visible Location
Pick a spot that’s easily accessible to everyone in the family. This could be in the kitchen, near the front door, or in a hallway. The key is to choose a place where family members will see it multiple times a day.
Include Essential Elements
Your command center should include:
- A large calendar for tracking school tips, school lunches, events, appointments, and activities
- A bulletin board for important papers and reminders
- A space for each family member to store their things (hooks for backpacks, a spot for shoes, lunch boxes, water bottles, back-to-school essentials, etc.)
- A checklist of daily tasks (great for younger kids)
For inspiration, check out how Erin Wheeler, founder of Sunny Circle Studio, transformed an unused wall into a stylish and functional family command center.
Tackle the Closet: A Key Part of Back-to-School Prep
An organized closet can make mornings run much more smoothly. Here’s how to get your kids’ closets ready for the school year:
Purge Outgrown Clothes
Start by going through your child’s wardrobe and removing anything that no longer fits or is too worn out. This is a great opportunity to donate gently used items to charity.
Organize What’s Left
Once you’ve purged, organize the remaining clothes in a way that makes sense for your child. You might group outfits together or organize by type of clothing. Consider using storage bins and label holders to keep everything neat and easily identifiable.
Plan First-Day Outfit
To reduce morning stress, plan and lay out the first-day-of-school outfit in advance. This can be a fun activity to do with your child and can help build excitement for the big day.
Set Up a Homework Station
A dedicated homework space can help your child stay focused and organized throughout the school year. Here’s how to create an effective homework station:
Choose the Right Location
Ideally, set up a small desk in your child’s bedroom or in a quiet area of the house. The key is to find a spot with minimal distractions.
Stock Up on Supplies
Ensure the homework station is well-stocked with all the supplies your child might need. This could include pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, and any subject-specific tools.
Organize with Style
Use shelf organizers or baskets to keep supplies tidy and easily accessible. You might even consider a rolling cart for easy mobility.
Meal Prep: A Game-Changer in Back-to-School Prep
One of the most stressful parts of the school year can be figuring out what to pack for lunch every day. A little meal prep can go a long way in reducing this daily stress. Here are some tips:
Plan Ahead
Take some time each weekend to plan out lunches for the week. This can help you grocery shop more efficiently and avoid last-minute panic.
Invest in Good Containers
Having the right containers can make packing lunches much easier. Consider investing in bento boxes or small tupperwares for portion control and easy packing.
Prep in Batches
On Sunday, try prepping some items in batches. Cut up vegetables, portion out snacks, or make sandwiches for the first few days of the week. Store everything in the fridge in zippered plastic bags or containers for easy grabbing in the morning.
Address the Emotional Side of Back-to-School Prep
While we often focus on the practical aspects of back-to-school prep, it’s crucial not to overlook the emotional side. Many kids (and parents.) experience anxiety about the start of a new school year.
Open Communication
Encourage open conversations about any worries or excitement your child might have about the upcoming school year. This can help you address concerns early and build enthusiasm.
Set Goals Together
Research shows that when you write your goals down, you are 42 percent more likely to accomplish them. Sit down with your child and set some goals for the upcoming school year. These could be academic, social, or personal growth goals.
Practice Self-Care
Remember, back-to-school prep can be stressful for parents too. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself during this transition period. A relaxed parent can help create a relaxed child.
FAQs about Back-to-school prep
What should I prepare for back to school?
For back-to-school prep, focus on essentials like school supplies, appropriate clothing, setting up a study area at home, and gradually adjusting sleep schedules. Don’t forget about emotional preparation too – talk with your child about their feelings about the new school year.
How to prepare for school to start?
Start your back-to-school prep early by creating a checklist, shopping for supplies, organizing your home, and establishing routines. Set up a homework station, plan meals in advance, and slowly transition back to school-year bedtimes and wake-up times.
How can parents prepare for back to school?
Parents can prepare for back to school by organizing the home, creating a family command center, meal planning, and opening lines of communication with their children about the upcoming year. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too – a relaxed parent helps create a relaxed child.
How to prepare for school again?
To prepare for school again, start by reviewing last year’s back-to-school-prep materials and setting goals for the new year. Organize your study space, gather necessary supplies, and start adjusting your sleep schedule. Remember also to address any anxieties or concerns you might have about returning to school.
Conclusion
Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With a little to-do list planning and the right strategies, you can set your family up for a smooth and successful transition into the new school year. Remember, the goal of back-to-school prep isn’t perfection – it’s about creating a foundation that supports your child’s learning and growth. By tackling practical tasks like organizing supplies and creating routines while also addressing emotional needs, you’re giving your child the best possible start to their school year. Here’s to a great year ahead.
