How We Prep for the New School Year

The new school year can be hard. There are so many changes with new teachers, new routines, new friends and new experiences. It is so exciting but all of the changes can be hard for kids. Today I'm sharing the five things we do to help the transition back into school go a little more smoothly.

How We Prep for the New School Year | Get Clothes Ready in Advance

At her school, they wear uniforms. If I need to buy new uniforms, I buy them at least a month in advance. This is so she can get used to them and decide which ones she is actually going to wear and which ones I need to return. We do a little fashion show in front of all of her toys so she's actually put them on her body and know how they feel.

How We Prep for the New School Year | Update Clothing Choice Boards

Since I'm already getting new clothes for her uniforms, I typically get other new clothes as well when I upgrade her size-wise. I make sure I update her clothing choice boards. I make one of these for her uniforms and another for regular clothes because she changes every day after school. Having these updated is really helpful for the entire school week to make morning go smoothly. They truly are a game changer and I've created editable versions of these clothing choice boards, available in the shop.

How We Prep for the New School Year | Check Backpack and Lunchbox

I like to make sure her backpack and lunchbox are in good shape since they haven't been used much during the summer. I got her current backpack from Pottery Barn a year and a half ago, and it's held up really well. They are a little on the pricey side, but knowing I don't have to replace it each year makes it worth it for me.

How We Prep for the New School Year | Utilize Visual Activity Board

We use a visual activity board through the entire year, and especially during the summer. It really helps when we don't have as much structure to keep her focused while also keeping her used to a more rigorous schedule that's in place during the school year. I feel like it is especially helpful in the weeks leading up to school as well as the few first weeks of school. This helps with transitions and knowing what to expect throughout the day which makes a big difference for her anxiety. I've also created a downloadable version of this. I have a child version, a teen version, and an adult version available in the shop.

How We Prep for the New School Year | Enforce the School Year Sleep Schedule

Sleep schedules for any children always get off during summer. For Jackie, she sleeps in sometimes, she stays up late sometimes, it's just not consistent. Two weeks before school starts, we prep her by going to bed on time and get up at the time she'll need to get up every morning for school. This makes the transition so much easier for all of us.

I can't believe we're already nearing the end of summer preparing for the new school year! Hopefully these tips can make your transitions go a little more smoothly as well.