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7 Ways to Prepare for School


Summer is winding down and many of you are preparing for your children to start school again in a few days or weeks. Aside from digging out that backpack and lunchbox, what should you be doing to help your child adjust to their new fall schedule?

Here are some Floortime tips to help your family thrive in their new fall routine: 

1. Pull out some school-related toys (school bus, school house, play children) and allow your child to play out their feelings about returning to school. You may want to model this first by pretending to be a child who is nervous about starting school, and see how they respond.

2. Pay attention to bedtime. Have your children been staying up later to enjoy the summer sun? Now is the time to start slowing making bedtime earlier, so that they will be well rested for school. Keep your routine the same (ex. bath, book, bed) but start half an hour earlier and continue to move up as needed.

3. Do a school visit. Go with your child to their school (even if they are returning to the same school) to help them visualize the environment they will be returning to. This is especially important for children changing schools, such as starting kindergarten. Consider planning a fun afternoon playing on the play structure or eating lunch on the lawn to help them get comfortable in the new space. For older children who may need to navigate between classrooms during the day, go with them and do a walk through of their schedule before the first day of school.

4. Create a school countdown calendar. Mark off the days until school starts so they have a clear idea of when it is starting. Go over it together each day.

5. Read books about returning to school. If your child has a favorite book or television character try finding a book related to this character. For example:

Daniel (Tiger) Goes to School by Jason Frutcher
Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins
The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Bernestain
Curious George's First Day of School by H.A. Rey

For a book that deals with a more emotional reaction to stating school try:
I am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris

6. Consider your child's individual needs and how to support them. Perhaps your child has trouble focusing or sitting still at school so you pack a weighted lap pad in their backpack, or put a fidget topper on their pencil. If your child is upset by crowds or loud noises, maybe you get to school early so that they can play and adjust while it is not so crowded. Review their IEPs if they have one and touch base with teachers to make sure your child is going to get the support they need. Talk about your concerns with your child's therapist and problem solve together.

7. Give your child lots of love and support at home. They will likely come home tired and more "on edge" than normal for the first few weeks. Make sure you are keeping up with your Floortime play so they have a safe place to work out their emotions and reconnect.


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