Getting Kids Back Into the School Groove
Did you just gasp reading that headline? Back to School? It’s August 2. I have to be kidding, right? Well, as much as we are just getting around to the holiday part of our summer, I’m also spending a lot of time pondering how to get the big kid headed back in the direction of a frame of mind which involves waking up early and getting to bed before 10 p.m. The loosey goosey-ness of summer and no schedules, no classroom work, no structure has left us all a bit, well, in need of a bit more of it all.
Ken and I are feeling a bit more of the pinch this year as well because – well – structure isn’t exactly our forte. Work-at-home, homeschooling, roll with it sort of life has been our way for a very long while. But, now that we’re moving into a phase where public school, strict work schedules and a second kiddo in need of some social time are in the mix we know that getting everyone on task is going to take some real effort on all of our parts.
We agreed that rather than being the task masters, this needs to be fun. So, here are a few of the projects and schedule-makers we have planned to get us all back on track and ready for the reality check that will hit us in just a few weeks.
1. Making a countdown calendar. We’re busting out the art supplies and getting things decorated up to count down until 1st grade. Our oldest loves it when something is an event.
2. Planning our route. We are committing to a family walk or ride to school every day this year. So, that also means we need to map out the route. So, for the next couple of weeks we’ll walk to school and back every day to get used to it.
3. Starting new back to school traditions. Since it’s new, we don’t have one yet. But, we are sitting down and talking about what would make for a great family tradition in this area.
4. Going through the closet. I have a feeling this is going to be a downer. But, the back-to-school shopping that will follow should be fun.
5. Set a new schedule. Bedtimes have reached their maximum lateness. So, we’re starting to get back to school year sleep patterns. Waking up earlier is going to be the hard part for all of us. So, my plan is to start morning walks that get us out the door quite early.
6. Finally, recharge the brain. We’re moving back to spending at least an hour a day reading, writing and doing math together. Whether that’s with crafts or other fun projects, the scheduled time for learning is great for everyone.
Even with some vacation time built into the mix this month, we’re excited to move in this direction. Now if I can only master the lunch-making thing. Poor kid, her mom sucks at that one.:)
Category: INSPIRED ACTION, Youth & Teens
About the Author (Author Profile)
Robin Rivers is Our Big Earth’s Publisher and Sr. Partner. Able to survive on coffee alone. Often can be found leaping tall buildings with the help of great friends. Predisposed to odd hats and the color orange. In love with imagination, her kids and that crazy guy who married her.Subscribe
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Packing lunches was my least favourite part of the kids starting public school! This year my boys will pack their own (mum-approved, of course) in the hopes of decreasing the amount of untouched food coming home at the end of the day. I remember being so excited about back-to-school as a kid and I see it in my boys, too. As much as I loved homeschooling there is something very exciting about seeing their anticipation and then the buzz they come home with each day. As for traditions, we used to camp over labour day weekend, staying another day or two after everyone else went back home to their fall schedules. Now we plan a late summer camp, avoid the partiers by coming home on Friday, leaving plenty of time to pack and repack backpacks and pick first day clothes. Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation time!