Transitioning into a New Academic Chapter: Restoring Daily Rhythms before the Arrival of the New School Year
As the new school year approaches, it's essential to help children adjust to a new routine. Here are some practical tips to make the transition smoother.
Eileen Aragon, from America's Kids in Motion, emphasizes the importance of structure for children. She suggests that a structured routine helps create commitment, responsibility, and a formidable aspect in their lives.
To prepare for the early mornings of the school day, pediatrician Hailey Nelson advises adjusting a child's sleep schedule gradually. A 15-minute adjustment to a child's sleep schedule can help them reset their sleep clock for school. It's also crucial to schedule lunchtime close to when it might be at school to help kids adjust.
Regarding meals, Dr. Hailey Nelson states that our summer tummies are used to eating whenever, and school schedules are stricter. To ease this transition, it's recommended to establish regular meal times that mimic school breakfast and lunch scheduling.
Creating a morning checklist or a visual schedule with simple tasks can help children understand and anticipate the new routine. Practicing a “pretend school morning” at home can make the transition smoother and more familiar.
Physical activity plays a crucial role during the school year. Encouraging daily exercise, whether through organized sports or free play, helps children manage school-related stress and maintain energy for learning activities. Incorporating active play into the daily routine, especially in the afternoon or after school, promotes better sleep and overall well-being.
Additional supportive measures include visiting the new school before the first day to familiarize children with the environment, meeting teachers, and walking around the building to ease anxiety. Open communication where children can express their concerns and talk about what excites or worries them helps normalize emotions and builds trust. Encouraging social connections, like playdates with future classmates, also supports emotional adjustment.
America's Kids in Motion offers events that can create passion for a child and potentially set a long-term journey for them in their future. These activities throughout the year can help ease transitions in and out of the school year.
Dr. Hailey Nelson reminds parents to update vaccines before the new school year. Following Kate Nemarich on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can provide news updates about the new school year.
By following these tips, children can adjust successfully to a new school schedule, making the transition less stressful for both children and parents.
Science lessons can be integrated into the new school routine to support children's learning and encourage a love for discovery. For example, exploring health-and-wellness topics through hands-on experiments can help children understand the importance of balanced nutrition, physical fitness, and good hygiene.
To foster self-development and personal growth, introducing education-and-self-development materials such as books, documentaries, or online resources can inspire children to continually learn and expand their knowledge outside of the classroom. Encouraging self-directed learning can help children build independence, curiosity, and resilience.
