It's that time of year again—back to school!
August is National Back to School Month, a time when parents, teachers, schools, and students gear up for another season of learning. As the days grow shorter, it's time to dust off the school supplies, stock up on the essentials, and plan for the year ahead.
At Gallopade, we know that the start of a new school year can be quite the wild ride. That's why we're here to share some advice that can make this adventure an enjoyable one.
Join us as we discuss helpful tips and tricks for making this back-to-school season the best one yet!
Begin Bright and Early
As the new school year approaches, it's crucial to start re-establishing a routine to ease your child(ren) back into the swing of things. Summer is a time for relaxation and freedom, often leading to late nights and lazy mornings. While these habits can be a fun part of the summer break, continuing them right up until the start of school can make the transition back to a structured schedule challenging for the whole family. Begin by gradually setting earlier bedtimes and wake-up times. This adjustment helps reset their internal clocks, making the early mornings of the school year less of a shock to their system.
We recommend starting this new schedule about two weeks before school begins. Although you might face some resistance initially, this preparation period can significantly benefit your child. They will feel more rested, focused, and ready to take on the new academic year.
BTS Shopping: Stationery, Supplies, & Snazzy Outfits
Early back-to-school shopping allows you to avoid the last-minute rush and the stress it brings. Stores are often crowded in the days leading up to the start of school, with supplies being picked over and popular items sold out. By shopping early, you can ensure that you have access to a full selection of supplies and can take your time to find the best deals.
Getting an early start also means you have more time to involve your child(ren) in the process. This can be a fun and engaging way to build excitement for the upcoming school year!
Allowing them to pick out their supplies, clothes, and other necessities helps them feel more prepared and enthusiastic about returning to school. Whether it’s selecting a colorful backpack, choosing fun stationery, or picking out a lunchbox with their favorite character, each decision allows them to put their personal stamp on the new school year.
Involving your child in this way helps them develop decision-making skills and builds their confidence. They learn to make choices and take ownership of their belongings, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Furthermore, early shopping gives you the opportunity to budget more effectively. It allows you to spread out expenses over a longer period, avoiding the financial strain of purchasing everything at once. You can also take advantage of sales and discounts that might not be available closer to the start of school.
BTS Shopping List
Stationery
Notebooks
Binders
Loose Leaf Paper
Planner/Organizer
Pencils
Pens
Highlighters
Crayons and Colored Pencils
Erasers
Glue Sticks
Safety Scissors
Index Cards
Sticky Notes
Calculator
Supplies
Lunchbox
Backpack
Water Bottle
Pencil Case
Folders
Art Supplies: Paint, brushes, sketch pads, and modeling clay
Math Tools: Protractor, compass, and graph paper
Clothes
Uniforms: If required by the school, enough sets to last the week.
Everyday Clothing: Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothes
Gym Clothes: Athletic wear, including shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers
Outerwear: Jackets, coats, hats, and gloves for colder weather
Shoes: Comfortable everyday shoes, gym shoes, and possibly dress shoes for special occasions
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and rain boots
This comprehensive list should help ensure your child is well-prepared for the upcoming school year, equipped with everything they need to succeed academically, and stay comfortable throughout their school day.
Communication & Connection:
Maintaining open communication with your child is crucial for their emotional and academic well-being. Regular and honest conversations can help your child navigate the challenges of school, including issues like bullying, academic performance, making friends, and embracing their individuality.
Bullying
Encourage your child to talk about their day and any negative experiences they might encounter. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. Addressing bullying early can prevent it from escalating and ensure your child feels protected and supported. Although bullying is a commonly addressed topic, it can still be hard to see the signs in those close to us.
Academics
Regular conversations about grades and schoolwork are essential for staying informed about your child’s academic progress. Ask them about their classes, assignments, and any difficulties they might face. By showing interest in their education, you can identify potential problems early and work together to find solutions, whether it’s seeking extra help, adjusting study habits, or communicating with teachers!
Friendships
Friendships play a significant role in your child’s social development and overall happiness. Talk to your child about their friends and social interactions. Encourage them to share both positive and negative experiences. This will help you understand their social dynamics and provide opportunities to offer guidance on managing friendships and resolving conflicts.
Individuality
Encourage your child to be themselves and express their individuality. Discuss the importance of staying true to themselves and resisting peer pressure. Celebrate their unique qualities and interests, and remind them that it’s okay to stand out. Open communication about these topics helps build their self-confidence and resilience!
Connections with Other Parents and Teachers
Building connections with other parents and teachers at your child’s school is vital for creating a supportive and enriching environment for your child. These relationships can enhance your understanding of the school community, provide a network of support, and foster a collaborative approach to your child’s education.
Additionally, these connections can be incredibly beneficial for you as a parent. By engaging with fellow parents and teachers, you gain valuable insights into school activities, important policies, and your child's academic and social development, which allows you to support them more effectively. Regular communication keeps you up-to-date with events and changes, reducing stress and helping you feel more in control of your child's school experience.
Building a network of fellow parents offers emotional support, shared experiences, and practical advice, making the challenges of parenting and school involvement more manageable. This sense of community can also lead to lasting friendships and a more fulfilling school experience for your whole family!
Ideas for Connecting with Other Parents
Breakfast Meet-Ups: Organize monthly or bi-weekly breakfast gatherings with other parents. This provides a casual setting to discuss school topics, share parenting tips, and build friendships over a cup of coffee.
Carpool Groups: Form a carpool group with nearby parents. This not only helps with transportation logistics but also provides regular opportunities to chat and connect.
School Events: Attend school events like PTA meetings, sports games, and performances. These are excellent opportunities to meet other parents and participate in the school community.
Playdates: Arrange playdates with your child’s classmates. This not only helps your child build friendships but also allows you to get to know other parents.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer for school activities and events. This is a great way to meet other parents who are also involved in the school and to contribute to the school community.
Study Groups: Organize study groups or homework sessions for children. While the kids work together, parents can use this time to discuss school-related matters and share advice.
Community Service Projects: Participate in community service projects organized by the school. Working together for a good cause can strengthen bonds among parents.
After-School Activities: Get involved in your child's after-school activities. Whether it's sports, arts, or clubs, being present allows you to meet other parents who share similar interests.
School Fundraisers: Participate in planning or supporting school fundraisers. This collaborative effort can help you build relationships with other parents while supporting the school.
Walking Groups: If your children walk to school, form a walking group with other parents and their children. It’s a healthy way to start the day and provides time to chat with other parents.
Choose the methods that best fit your schedule and interests to start building these important relationships!
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we're here to help you make the most of it! By implementing these tips, you can ensure a smooth start and set the stage for a successful school year. Stay connected with our blog for ongoing tips, ideas, and activities to support you throughout the year. Don't miss our weekly back-to-school sales this August, where you'll find great deals to set up your student(s) for success. For a glimpse into the teacher's perspective, don't miss our back-to-school article for educators. Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and wonderful memories!
Back-to-School Month Timeline
1635 - The first school is founded.
Boston Latin School opened its doors, becoming the first public school in the colonies.
1636 - Higher education began.
Clergyman John Harvard founded his namesake Ivy League school in Cambridge, MA.
1639 - Tax dollars support a North American school.
The Mather School, founded in Dorchester, MA, became the first public school in North America to be supported by taxpayers’ money.
1727 - The first school for girls opened.
Ursuline Academy, a Catholic school in New Orleans established by the Sister of the Order of Saint Ursula, became the first school to open exclusively for girls.
1918 - Attending elementary school became a requirement.
This was the first year that all 50 states required students to complete their elementary schooling.
Sources
“Back to School Month.” National Today, 11 Aug. 2023, nationaltoday.com/back-to-school-month/.
“BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS & Checklist for Parents: Parenting Blog.” Digital Parenting Coach, www.digitalparentingcoach.com/blog/back-to-school-tips-and-checklist. Accessed 28 June 2024.
National Back to School Month | August, www.nationaldaycalendar.com/august/national-back-to-school-month-august-2. Accessed 28 June 2024.
National Back to School Month | August, www.nationaldaycalendar.com/august/national-back-to-school-month-august-2. Accessed 28 June 2024.
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