Back to school time is right around the corner. Some children will be heading back to school as early as August 12^th; others won’t start back until after Labor Day. With this in mind, this is the perfect time to start thinking about the transition from summer vacation to being back in school. You know as well as I do, the transition back to school often gets difficult, especially when your child has struggled with learning or has a special need.

Top 5 Back to School Tips for Success

(See Back to School Special Below)

One: Ease Into the School Time Sleep Schedule

Summer bedtimes are often later than school time, so it is a good idea to gently move into the school bedtimes. One of the easiest ways to do this is to move bed time 15 minutes ahead each night until it is at their school bed time. Remember, playing soothing music at bedtime helps you to relax and fall asleep. Also, start getting your children up at the time they will need to be up to get ready for school at least a few days ahead of time.9For those with ADHD you may need to set several clocks to be sure your child gets up on time.

Two: Prepare for the New Grade

Talk about the exciting things your child will be learning this year and the friends they will see or make. Visit the school and check out where their classroom is as well as the office, cafeteria and library so they feel comfortable about navigating around their school.

Three: Get Organized

Be sure your child has a sturdy backpack and lunch carrier if they take lunch to school. Get a variety of folders for their schoolwork – a different color for each subject so they can color-code their work. This will make it easier for them to keep track of their work. Provide your children with the resources they need such as the Writer’s Easy Reference Guide and the BT Easy Math Reference Guide. A complete list of school supplies is found in the Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills.

Four: Set Schedules

It is easier and less stressful to set up your daily and weekly routines ahead of time so your child knows the expectations. Create a weekly calendar that states when homework will be done, sports practice is, and other family events happen. Post this on the fridge or on a white board in the kitchen. That way everyone knows when soccer practice is as well as time to do homework. Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills has some great weekly and monthly planning calendars to you.

Five: Set Clear Expectations

Your expectations will vary depending on the age of your child, a first grader will have less chores than a 6^th grader. However, there are other house rules that apply no matter what your age.

1. You must always tell the truth
2. You may not hurt others.
3. Your job as a child is to be a student and get an education
4. You are expected to help out with chores
5. You may not take drugs or alcohol.

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