Back to School Guide
5-minute read
Whether they are classroom bound or remote learners, it’s that special time of year—it’s back to school! To help make the transition as smooth as possible, we asked our experts—KinderCare teachers—to create a special back to school checklist for a successful school year.
- Visit virtually or in person, so your child can become familiar with the classroom and the teachers.
- Talk openly with their teacher about how your child handles change.
- Help them get hyped up for the adventure ahead by sharing your own school stories.
- Create a designated workspace for homework, reading, writing, drawing, and more.
Whether they are classroom bound or remote learners, it’s that special time of year—it’s back to school!
Go Back with Confidence
Big changes, like a new school or even a new classroom in the same building, can feel really big, but tacking the transition a little at a time can make it easier on the whole family. Everyone’s reaction to change can vary, because no one is the same and the way we see the world is unique to us. Some families are excited and eager to explore while others can be more reserved and even a bit nervous.
To help you all meet this moment and make the transition as smooth as possible, we asked our experts—KinderCare teachers—to create a special back to school checklist for creating a successful school year.
1. Set up visits before school starts. Sometimes fear comes from the unknown. By visiting their new environment ahead of time, either virtually or in person, your child can become familiar with the layout of the classroom, meet the teachers, and see what to expect. Even a video tour of their new space can help alleviate some of their anxiety and jitters.
2. Talk with your child’s teacher about the transition. Your child’s teacher should be your partner, so be open and honest from the start. Talk about how your child handles change, what causes them stress, or what behaviors the teacher might expect from them. Don’t be afraid to call and ask for updates on your child to see how things are going. Set up regular check-ins over the next few weeks to talk about any additional support your child may need.
3. Create a routine they can count on. Talk about what will happen ahead of time. When the big day comes, create (and then maintain) a consistent and predictable drop-off ritual—like, mask up, hands up, high five, and a hug. Continue this routine every day to help your child feel secure and safe in the classroom.
4. Be enthusiastic. Just like laughter, excitement is contagious. Rather than focusing on your child’s nerves or uncertainty, share your own happy memories from school. How did you feel at the beginning of a new school year? What was it like to learn and meet new friends? This can help your child get hyped up for the adventure ahead. Then, make a memory together. Download and print our “First Day of School” sign, click here for color and here for black and white. Snap a picture of your students and then share your pictures with us on Instagram with #kindercare or by email us at share@kindercare.com for a chance to be featured on our social channels.
5. Set up a workstation at home. Creating a designated space at home where your little learner can do homework, read, write, draw, and complete art projects can help them develop good study habits. Stock this station with colored paper, crayons and markers, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, books, stickers, and other necessary tools. Leave room to stow a backpack, and encourage your child to spend time in their space every night.
Don’t forget that you are getting used to this new school year too and it’s OK to feel uncertain, especially now. 6 in 10 parents say that pandemic parenting has been the most stressful time in their lives. Check it out to see how families like you are navigating everything from work/life balance to finding the silver lining. Then, watch these Family Stories featuring parents, teachers and kids in our learning community building confidence together.
