It’s that time of year again! Soon, children all over the world will be heading back to school. Many parents are already starting to worry about how their children will adjust to the new environment and whether they will be able to keep up with their classmates. If your child seems a little apprehensive about starting school, don’t worry – you can do plenty of things to help them prepare. In this guide, we will discuss some simple tips on how you can help your child develop new skills before school starts. Follow these tips, and your child will be ready for anything!
Talk to your child’s teacher:
One of the best things you can do to help your child prepare for school is to talk to their teacher. Get to know what their expectations are and what the curriculum will be like. This way, you can start working with your child at home on the things they will need to know for school.
If you don’t already have a good relationship with your child’s teacher, now is the time to establish one. Your child’s teacher is one of the most influential people in their life right now, so it’s important that you make an effort to get to know them. Attend open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and any other events that will allow you to chat with the teacher.
When you talk to your child’s teacher, ask about any specific skills they recommend working on at home. They may have some great suggestions that you hadn’t thought of!
Make a list of realistic goals:
It can be helpful to list goals with your child before school starts. This will give you both a sense of what they would like to achieve and what is realistic. Encourage your child to set goals within their control, such as reading one new book weekly or practicing the violin for 15 minutes daily.
If your child is struggling to come up with ideas, you can suggest some activities that may help them develop new skills, such as cooking a simple meal, learning how to sew on a button, or memorizing the state capitals. These sorts of goals will help your child learn something new and boost their confidence as they head back to school.
Create a routine:
One of the best ways to help your child prepare for school is to create a routine. This will get them used to getting up and ready for school each day. Try to make the routine as fun as possible, so they look forward to it. Include things like reading together, eating breakfast, and getting dressed for the day.
Making sure your child is well rested is also essential. A good night’s sleep will help them focus and be ready to learn during the day. Try to stick to a bedtime routine, so they know when it’s time to wind down for the evening. If you can, try to avoid making any big changes to your child’s routine in the weeks leading up to school starting back up again. This includes things like potty training or changing sleep schedules. It’s best to wait until after school starts to make big changes like this.
Have fun learning:
Remember that learning doesn’t have to be boring! There are plenty of ways to make learning fun for your child. Try incorporating games, puzzles, and other activities into your child’s daily routine. This will help them retain the information they are learning and make it more enjoyable.
You can also take advantage of teachable moments that come up in everyday life. For example, if you’re cooking dinner together, have your child help measure the ingredients. If you’re going for a walk, point out different things along the way and explain what they are. These experiences will be more beneficial for your child than sitting down with a textbook all day long.
Be patient and encourage effort:
It’s important to be patient with your child as they are learning new things. They may not pick up on things as quickly as you’d like, but it’s essential to encourage them to keep trying. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace and that some require more repetition than others.
Praising your child for their efforts, rather than their results, is also essential. This will help them to feel good about themselves and continue working hard. For example, if your child is struggling with reading, praise them for reading one more page today than they did yesterday. This will show them that you value their effort, and they are more likely to keep trying.
Seek out resources:
Many resources are available to help your child learn new skills before school starts. Take some time to explore the options and find the ones that work best for your child and family. Some resources to consider include:
- Books from the library or bookstore
- Online resources like these free worksheets
- Apps
- Games
- Tutoring or enrichment programs
Don’t forget to ask other parents, teachers, or professionals for recommendations. With a little effort, you’re sure to find some great resources to help your child learn new skills before school starts.
Have realistic expectations:
It’s important to have realistic expectations for your child. They may be unable to pick up everything you’re teaching them right away. Give them some time to adjust and learn at their own pace. Remember that every child is different and will learn in different ways. Don’t get frustrated if your child isn’t progressing as quickly as you’d like. Just be patient and keep working with them. They’ll eventually get the hang of it!
You can do many things to help your child learn new skills before school starts. Just be patient, encourage their efforts, and seek resources to help them along the way. With a little effort, your child will be ready for school in no time!
This is a partnership post.