Back to School Checklist: Getting Your Little One Ready for the Big Day!
Written by: Korina-Ella Pearce
Hey there, super parents! It’s that time of year again – back-to-school season! Amidst all the chaos of shopping for supplies and snagging the best deals, it’s easy to overlook our kids’ emotional readiness for this big transition. With a little planning, we can make this transition smoother for everyone.
Whether your little one is starting at a new school or moving up a grade, this back to school checklist will give you all the tools you need to make sure both you and your child are totally prepared for this exciting (and sometimes scary!) new chapter.
Create a School Routine Together
Routines are a total lifesaver for our little ones, helping them feel secure and ready to learn. Over the summer, we’ve all enjoyed some lazy mornings and late nights (guilty!), but it’s time to get back into the swing of things before the school year begins.
Start easing into your school routine 1-2 weeks before the first day, using school hours as your guide. With early preparation, your kiddo will thank you for making the transition a breeze!
Give Your Child a Head Start on Learning
Before the first week of school, take some time to review basic skills with your little ones to help them feel more confident and prepared. Depending on their age, this might include practising letter and number recognition, writing their name, counting, or even some simple reading. You can make it fun by turning it into a game or using colourful worksheets. Our Book Club includes engaging worksheets for every book we read aloud!
If your child is starting a new school, see if you can get a copy of the curriculum or learning objectives for their grade level, so you know what skills to focus on. Giving your kiddo a little refresher will help them hit the ground running and feel extra proud of themselves!
Have Heart-to-Heart Chats About School
Take some time to chat with your child about what they can expect in their new class or school. While change can be scary, it’s also a thrilling adventure! Get excited together, watch some school-themed shows or videos (our recommendations are down below), and encourage them to ask any questions they might have.
If your children are feeling anxious, give them a safe space to express their fears and work together to find solutions. The key is to stay positive, listen to your kids, and remind them that you’re always there to support them.
Teach Your Child How to Make New Friends
Starting a new school year often means meeting new kids and making new friends. Help your children navigate this exciting (but sometimes nerve-wracking) process by role-playing different classroom scenarios and teaching them some friendship-making strategies.
Encourage them to introduce themselves, ask questions about their classmates’ interests, and practice sharing and taking turns. Remind them that it’s okay if they don’t become best friends with everyone at school right away – building friendships takes time and patience. Most importantly, let them know that you’re always there to listen and offer advice if they need it.
Watch School-Themed Media Together
One fun way to get your child pumped for school is by watching some adorable school-themed media together! Read books, watch YouTube videos, or catch some TV shows about the joys of learning and making new friends. If your kiddo has specific worries, look for content that addresses those issues head-on.
Here are a few of my faves:
- Lucy Hoot Beats First Day Curse. Storytime with Karyn
- My School Day by Wufflebump
- Charlie and Lola, Series 3: 6. Everything Is Different and Not the Same
- Top 5 Tips for Starting School
- Back to School with Bluey
- How to be a Good Friend
- Children explain how you make friends
Be your Child’s Personal Cheerleader
We all feel a bit better after some positive comments. In the weeks and days before your child goes back to school work on ensuring their confidence is at an all-time high before their first day.
Compliment the skills that will be used at school, such as hand washing, tidying up after themselves, and nice manners. By doing this not only will you be reinforcing positive habits but you’ll also be making your child feel good and confident ready for their time back at school.
Make lunchtime fun!
Another cute way to make your child’s back-to-school routine exciting is to create unique lunches. There are loads of influencers who teach parents how to make cool and creative lunch boxes for their little ones, by using these tricks you can make funky lunches for your child (and maybe even for yourself). Here’s an article with 16 items you can use to make awe-inspiring lunches, this article includes advice if you’ve got time to create a five-star meal or only have five minutes.
Here is a list of influencers who will inspire you to create insta-worthy school lunches:
- Michelle Klavuhn: Michelle creates mystical and magical-themed lunches while also sharing various recipes.
- Jane Kim Nicholson: Jane is the author of a cookbook and an influencer who shares lunch box tips, snack ideas and family meals.
- Dana Nario: Dana creates kid-friendly meal ideas and recipes that are easy to replicate at home.
- Nathalia Angga: Nathalia enjoys making cool lunches for her son and she shares these images on her Instagram.
Use these creators for tips and inspiration with your children’s lunches but feel free to get creative, and have fun!
If you’re looking for some good bento boxes for your kids’ school lunches, here are three great options you can shop on Amazon:
- Naturoom Bento Lunch Box with 1 Divider, made from Bamboo
- HOBUE Bento Lunch Box, with 6 Compartments (great for the little ones who prefer food not touching)
- Blockhütte Stainless Steel Food Container with 3 Compartments (the dividers are movable, giving you greater flexibility)
Additional Tips for a Great School Year
- Set up a family calendar to keep track of important school dates and activities.
- Establish a morning routine to make getting ready for school easier.
- Prepare a special breakfast for the first day of school.
- Help your child organise their backpack and desk at home.
- Stay involved in your child’s school life by communicating with teachers and attending school events.
- Create a dedicated homework space and time to help your child stay on top of assignments.
- Encourage your child to join school clubs or activities to make new friends and develop new skills.
- Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to commemorate the start of the new school year!
We hope this essential back to school checklist gives you and your children a head start before the first day of middle school or elementary school.
Remember, every child is unique! Be patient, listen to their concerns, and work together to find solutions for your family. With a little prep and a whole lot of love, you’ve got this! Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Written by: Korina-Ella Pearce
