;
By Kathryn Nuñez, 5th Grade Teacher
As you cross out the days on your calendar, it’s becoming painfully clear to us teachers, parents and students that the first days of school are fast approaching. As summer is nearing its end and the adventure of a new school year begins along with the managing of new schedules, projects and studies, it is an exciting and nervous time. The best way a parent can help their child excel in the new school year is through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.
;
Physical Preparation: This is the financial part. Try finding the best deals by going to different stores, looking up store ads, finding coupons, or surfing the net.
;
Correct Uniform/Appropriate Clothes: Your child will feel more confident if his/her clothes fit properly and are in regulation according to the school’s handbook. A good tip is for your child to layout the clothes he/she is going to wear to school the night before.
;
Backpack: Your child should be able to use his/her backpack with assurance that it is comfortable, durable, and resilient. Keeping in mind that the older your child gets, the heavier his/her backpack may become due to books, materials, and after school activities.
;
School Supplies: Your child will feel positive about his/her new surrounding by having the supplies that are listed on the school’s website or the store’s grade level checklist of his/her school.
;
Mental Preparation: This is the programming part. Plan out the schedule and execute it by putting it into practice before school begins and deleting the things that do not work positively for your family.
;
Early to Bed: Your child will feel rested and alert if he/she goes to bed early with at least eight hours of sleep, and will be able to function better if materials are packed up and organized the night prior. Getting to school on time gives him/her enough time to reacquaint with classmates and to get materials in order for the day’s events.
;
Planning the Evenings: Scheduling time for homework, studying days in advance, and knowing when extracurricular activities are will help you manage your child’s time efficiently and effectively.
;
Eating Right: Eating nutritious meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner will give your child enough energy both mentally and physically. Allowing enough time to eat a relaxing breakfast creates a good start to the day.
;
Emotional Preparation: This is the heartfelt part.
;
Confidence: Your child will feel resilient to new experiences when you relate some of your own memories to something that he/she is going through. If you encourage them to do his/her best and explain how to learn from the bumps in the road, this will create a positive problem solving skill in your child’s development.
;
Spiritual Preparation: This is the moral part.
;
Responsibilities: Helping your child know his/her own values, talents, and limitations and learning how to deal with others is how everyone can co-exist in a close environment with vast personalities.
;
Respect: Your child will feel safe when he/she feels that there are boundaries and consideration for his/her own space and that of others. Discuss essential steps for peacefully solving conflicts and how to communicate his/her feelings to both children and adults.
;
Good luck with the new school year and maintain a positive outlook on this new adventure! Remember that helping your child be prepared for school does not end after the first week, but continues throughout the year.
Kathryn M. Núñez is a certified 5th grade teacher with over seven years of experience.