Going back to school may create many different feelings in your child – excitement, uncertainty, fear and worry. Being prepared for this change can help ease your child’s jitters and help your child quickly adjust … so he or she can get the most benefit from school. The early education experts at The Family Conservancy offer these helpful tips:

• Visit your child’s classroom before school starts. This gives your child a visual picture of where he will be. Don’t forget the playground. It’s an important part of your child’s day at school.
• Talk in a positive way about your child’s coming year at school.
• Help your child learn her full name, address and telephone number.
• Talk to your child about his feelings about starting school. Let him know it’s okay to be scared and excited.
• Begin a regular morning and nighttime routine. Begin a couple of weeks ahead to adjust your child’s schedule of awaking in time to get ready for school.
• Check out books from the library about children starting school. Read and discuss the stories with your child.
• Pretend play “school” with your child. Take turns being the teacher.
• Encourage your child to respect others. Your example can be a great model to her.
• Label your child’s belongings with his name and help him to recognize it in print.

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