Transitioning your child back to school

The Canastota Teachers Association offers these helpful tips on easing back into the school year.

We are the Canastota Teachers’ Association - the caring, dedicated professionals committed to supporting our students and the Canastota community.

As you prepare for school, here are some helpful tips:

• Gradually ease back into a bedtime routine and schedule. Start bedtime 10 minutes earlier each night and start each morning 10 minutes earlier to ease into the school schedule.

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Reading with your child as part of the routine is great for bonding and sharpens reading/language skills.

• Get back on a mealtime schedule and stock up on healthy snacks for back to school.

• Look for the date of your back-to-school night for your building. Please look at the district website or your school calendar for the exact times.

• If your child will be attending a new school and is curious about what it might be like, feel free to contact the main office. They can answer many of your questions or arrange for a walk-through of the building. If your child is in elementary school, time to play on the school playground will serve as a positive introduction to the new environment.

• Practice new, age appropriate skills from tying shoes to opening combination locks. For younger children this could also include: bathroom independence, using materials independently (scissors, pencils, etc.), filling water bottles, unzipping book bags, and fastening and unfastening clothing.

• Designate a homework/study spot with adequate lighting that is quiet and away from TV or other distractions. Make sure your child has all the necessary supplies to complete an assignment.

• Check to be sure that your child has all of the needed school supplies. The district website has links to all supply lists, or you can contact the main office. Shop early for the best selection and price. Have everything packed and ready to go before school starts.

• Choose a consistent location for backpacks, shoes, and necessary items needed for the next day to reduce the morning rush. Prepare as much as you can the night before to make mornings smooth sailing.

• Create a system for storing and organizing papers that come home from the district and your child’s teacher. Begin to routinely check the district’s website for updated information.

• Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation by spending quality time with your child. Every moment counts!

Look for another informative CTA column focusing on “Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education” in September.