Summer is quickly drawing to a close, which means that school is right around the corner. As a first-grade teacher, I have spent lots of time prepping before I meet my students in a few weeks. For me, this means getting organized and starting back on a set routine after a summer spent relaxing. No more sleeping in—it is time to get back to school!

While us teachers are preparing for the start of the new school year, it is also important for parents to help their kids transition back-to-school. It can seem a bit challenging after a summer off from routines and academics. Don’t fret-- here are the most important tips for getting your kids back-to-school ready from a teacher’s perspective:

1. Encourage a regular sleeping schedule.

I can always tell when my students did not get enough sleep the night before. I have had students fall asleep with their heads on their desks or begin to doze off when working on an activity. When students are tired or groggy from the night before, they miss out on important learning moments in class.

You can prevent dozing in the classroom by taking action in your own home. Set daily times every day (yes, even weekends!) where your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time. With a regular sleeping schedule, your child will be well-rested and ready to tackle in-school assignments!

2. Reinforce routines.

Your child will have daily routines and a set schedule at school. As a teacher, it is crucial for me to implement these routines to maximize learning time. We are well aware that routines are often relaxed or lost amongst families during the summer.

You can help your child get back-to-school ready by reinforcing routines in your own home. In addition to a set bedtime and wake-up time, set up a routine for before and after school. This can be as simple as making sure homework is done before dinner, or that your child helps you pack lunch before leaving for school in the morning.

3. Create designated space for school supplies.

At school, students have designated spaces for their backpacks and supplies. This way, the school day is not interrupted by disorganization—time from learning is easily lost if supplies are not put back in the right place!

Streamline your pre-and post-school routines at home by creating designated spaces for school supplies. Place hooks in the entryway for easy, grab-and-go access to backpacks. Organize sharpened pencils, glue sticks, and markers at a desk or table where your kids know to complete their homework after school.

4. Incorporate academics into daily tasks.

Teachers understand that academics are relaxed during summer, which is why we spend time reviewing material at the beginning of the year. However, there is not too much time to dwindle on review, as academic expectations continue to rise each year.

You can help your child review material by incorporating academics into your home. This can be as simple as asking them quick questions or engaging in brief activities. For example, when baking cookies, ask your younger child how many cookies you are placing on the tray. For older children, ask them to help you serve dinner, and evenly divide food onto plates. Small academic reviews such as the ones I have shared will help your child apply what they have previously learned into their daily lives.

We hope these tips help you and your child get back-to-school ready for the upcoming year!

About the Author

Danielle Pierce is a recent graduate of Nova Southeastern University and an intern with the Decorated team this summer. Danielle grew up on the beach in Breezy Point, NY, and now enjoys wearing her flip-flops year-round in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She enjoys bringing elements that remind her of a childhood spent by the seaside into her home décor. Danielle is also a competitive equestrian, and when she is not writing, she spends any free time she has at the barn.