Getting Ready for School Checklist – 10 Tips

Maybe it is because I am a teacher that I gravitate towards the early conversations of getting ready to go back to school. It is almost a season and other savvy moms like me are searching for the best deals on clothes, backpacks, and supplies. There’s so much that goes into getting ready for back to school. It’s not all just school supplies. There are other things we can do as parents to help our kids prepare for school. That’s why I’ve put together this getting ready for school checklist. These 10 tips cover things outside of the standard backpacks and supplies.

Getting Ready for School Checklist

In the moments of getting ready, let’s not forget about preparing our kids. In our area, letters will be going out soon to let families know about their child’s teacher. This can be an exciting and stressful time.  Here are some tips that will help get ready for back to school and alleviate some angst.

Tip #1 – Read a chapter book together – I love when my daughters read new books.  It is a great way to enjoy a story and spend quality time together.

Tip #2 – Go back to school healthy! Next week, we have physical appointments, dermatologist, eye exams, and a dentist visit. I want to know that she is ready to learn and that something such as vision will not hinder her progress.

Tip #3 – Family Game Night – Socialization is such an important part of school. Being able to be part of a team and working together are skills that are needed in school. Knowing that there are times that you will win and times where you will lose will help her become a better person.

Tip #4 – Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail – Start the year off right by preparing bookbags and clothes the night before. If notes are signed and all books are back in the pack, the morning will be peaceful. Having all clothing items including sock, shoes, and hairclips (Yes! Hairclips too! I have three girls.) ready will also allow for a peaceful morning.

Tip #5 – A Good Breakfast – Now that the girls will all be prepared from the night before, we will have time for a healthy breakfast. Waffles and juice are a favorite in my house since it is quick to prepare.

Tip #6 – Have your children be a part of the conversation. While in the car, discuss the names of the roads, and directions that you are going. Play I Spy. When at home, instead of the typical “How was your day?” with an answer of “Good”, be specific and ask, “Tell me one thing that would like to do again.’ When they tell you, you can then ask them why.

Tip #7 – Have Them Be a part of the Back-to-School Shopping Experience. Let them choose what color or type of folder they would like. Go together to pick out a backpack.

Tip #8 – Practice your home safety information. Go over essential phone numbers and make sure they know their address. Summer fun can easily make them forget things they knew so well in the spring.

Tip #9 – Books About Going Back to School – If this is your child’s first time at school, ease anxieties by reading books with similar experiences. Books about going to school will help them feel comfortable about what to expect.

Tip #10 – Share Ideas That Work with Other Moms. We are not alone. Everyone can support each other with simple little tips that will benefit our children.

How do you get ready for back to school?