Back to School Tips for a Smooth Start to the School Year
Getting Ready for a Successful School Year
As summer winds down, it’s time to prepare for the new school year. Planning goes a long way in ensuring your child has a smooth and successful start. From school visits to backpack safety, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist to help you get your child ready for a great year of learning and growth.
Back to School Tips for Elementary Students
Here are a few ways from Judy Arnall, a certified brain and child development specialist and a bestselling author on the topic of gentle parenting, to get your child ready:
1. Visit the School
Starting a new school or grade can be overwhelming for children. Ease their anxiety by visiting the school before the first day. HongDe offers a special orientation and informational session where you and your child can meet the new teachers and classmates. We invite you to attend our Information Session on August 29th to get acquainted with the school environment.
2. Practice the Trip
If your child will be taking public transport to school, practice the route a few times before the first day. Knowing where to get on and off will help your child feel more confident. Alternatively, consider signing up for the school bus service offered by HongDe, which provides convenient transit options for students from Burnaby, Richmond, and Vancouver.
3. Create a Study Area
Set up a dedicated study space at home for your child. Whether it’s a desk in their room or a table in the kitchen, having a designated area for homework and crafts will help them focus and stay organized throughout the school year.
4. Get a Library Card
Libraries are a great resource for students. Beyond providing access to books, many libraries offer learning tools like software subscriptions, computers, and free printing. Encourage your child to explore these resources by getting them a library card.
5. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Restful sleep is essential for your child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Start adjusting their bedtime routine about five days before school starts. Gradually move bedtime earlier, and establish a consistent routine that includes pajamas, a snack, teeth brushing, storytime, and lights out. Aim for nine hours of sleep for children aged 6 to 12.
School Day Tips: Setting Your Child Up for Success
1. Label Everything
To prevent lost items, label all of your child’s school supplies and belongings. This simple step will help them keep track of their things and ensure that everything finds its way back home.
2. Pack Easy-Open Items
Ensure that your child can open everything in their lunchbox independently. This will save time and frustration during recess and lunchtime, allowing them to enjoy their meals without needing help.
3. Choose the Right Backpack
Selecting the right backpack is crucial for your child’s health. Look for a backpack that fits their body size, with padded shoulder straps and a padded back for comfort. The bag should not weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight. When packing, place the heaviest items closest to their back and use all compartments to distribute the weight evenly.
Backpack Safety: Protecting Your Child’s Health
1. Size and Fit
The size of the backpack should match your child’s body frame. It should sit 5 cm below the shoulders and no more than 10 cm below the waist, centered between the shoulder blades. Avoid backpacks that sag below the hips.
2. Weight Limits
A backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight. This helps prevent strain on their muscles, neck, and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury.
3. Smart Packing
Use all compartments to distribute the weight evenly and place the heaviest items close to your child’s back. Encourage your child to carry extra books in their arms if the backpack feels too heavy. Keep the backpack clutter-free and only pack what’s necessary.
FAQ: Back to School Tips
School year in Canada typically begins in September.
A back-to-school postcard can include a positive message like, “Wishing you a fantastic school year filled with new friends, fun adventures, and lots of learning!”
To prepare for back to school, start by organizing school supplies and setting up a designated study area at home. Visit the school if possible, and establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure your child is well-rested. It’s also helpful to practice the school route, especially if they’re using public transport or the school bus.
The best advice for back-to-school students is to stay organized, be open to new experiences, and ask for help when needed. Encourage them to make new friends, participate in class, and always try their best. Remind them that it’s okay to feel nervous and that everyone else is adjusting too.
Surviving the first day of school can be easier with a little preparation. Make sure to pack all necessary supplies the night before, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast. Arrive at school a bit early to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Most importantly, stay positive and remember that the first day is just the beginning of a great school year!
