The first day of school can be a rollercoaster of emotions for both parents and children. Separation anxiety is a common concern, and it’s completely natural. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:
1. Visit the School Beforehand: If possible, take your child to visit their school before the first day. Familiarity with the environment can ease anxiety.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Highlight the exciting aspects of school – new friends, fun activities, and learning adventures. This can create a positive association with the school.
3. Establish a Routine: Start getting into a school routine a week or two before school starts. This can help children adjust to the schedule.
4. Stay Calm: Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions. Stay calm and reassuring, even if you’re feeling anxious too.
5. Goodbye Rituals: Develop a special goodbye ritual. A hug, a kiss, or a secret handshake can make parting easier. Learn more about how to deal with back-to-school separation anxiety.
Preparing for school also involves gathering essential supplies. Here’s a checklist to ensure your child is well equipped:
1. School Bag: Invest in a sturdy school bag that’s comfortable for your child to carry. It should have enough space for books and supplies.
2. Stationery: Stock up on basic stationery like pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers. Check the school’s list for any specific requirements.
3. Uniform and Shoes: Ensure your child’s uniform fits well and that they have comfortable, supportive shoes suitable for school activities.
4. Lunchbox and Water Bottle: Keep your child energised throughout the day with a reusable water bottle and lunchbox full of healthy snacks.
5. Books and Notebooks: Check with the school or teacher for the required textbooks and notebooks. Label them to avoid mix-ups. Find out more about back-to-school stationery supplies and what you might need for the new school year.
To stay organised, create a back-to-school checklist. Here’s a sample to get you started: The best way to keep life easy around this time of year is to have a back-to-school checklist ready.
● Uniform and shoes
● School bag
● Stationery
● Lunchbox and water bottle
● Books and notebooks
● Emergency contact information
● Transport arrangements
● After-school care plans
This checklist can serve as a handy reference to ensure you’ve covered all bases before school starts. And don’t worry if you’ve missed anything – a lot of things can be done in the first couple of weeks of school while your child settles back in.
Knowing when children go back to school is crucial for planning. In the UK, school term dates can vary, but here’s a general guideline:
Autumn Term: The autumn term will usually start in the first week of September. There’ll be a half-term break in mid-October. Term will end in mid-December.
Spring Term: The spring term usually begins in the first week of January. There’ll be a half-term break in mid-February. The term will end at the end of March or the start of April.
Summer Term: The summer term starts mid to late April. Half-term takes place in the last week of May. The school year will end at the end of July.
It’s always best to double-check with your child’s school for specific dates, especially if your child attends a private school. Alternatively, you can check on the government website.
Children can sometimes feel a little self-conscious about their learning after the long summer holiday. But they don’t have to be – tuition can be a great way to help prepare them for the school year and reignite their love for learning.
At Explore Learning whether your child is getting ready to go back to school or needs a helping hand after the term starts, we’re here to support you. Whether you want to visit our Bournemouth tuition centre or try our online tuition, from as little as one hour of tuition a week, children can achieve progress and unlock a love of learning.
For a limited time you can save £50 when you join Explore Learning*, so there’s never been a better time to get your child ready to go back to school. If you’re ready for the best school year yet, get started here.
*Offer ends 30th September 2023, terms and conditions apply.
You can find out more about Explore Learning via their website www.explorelearning.co.uk and you can follow their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for their latest news.
*Sponsored Blog Post from Explore Learning.
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