“Back to school. Back to school. To prove to Dad I’m not a fool.”

Adam Sandler (Billy Madison)

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful for everyone in the household. It’s a big change but also very exciting to start the new school year off right. We all have those bittersweet memories of that last weekend of summer, with fun times ahead and fall approaches.

Being well organized and prepared for the first day can help everyone ease back into a routine. Here are some helpful tips, to help prepare your child for going back to school. Try these out to assist you and your family before the first bell rings!

morning routine clock

Get The Morning Routine Down Pat

Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a few days in advance!

  • Set the alarm clock
  • Go through your morning rituals
  • Practice the walk to school or check the bus schedules to ensure you arrive on time

All of these routines can help the household in establishing a solid schedule and will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Create An Evening To-Do List

The best way to make your morning routine stress-free is to take care of any time-consuming activities the night before. Write down an evening to-do list on the refrigerator or on the family calendar including tasks such as:

  • Preparing lunch
  • Packing the backpack
  • Laying out an outfit
  • Checking that breakfast foods are on hand
  • Setting the alarm clock for the morning

Create Excitment Getting School Supplies Organized

Even if your kid(s) still have their old backpack, lunchbox and water bottles from last year, it’s always a good idea to get them something new and fresh for the school year. New school gear can get them excited for the beginning of the year. Take your kid(s) shopping for a few supplies, let them take part in the fun of picking out notebooks, pens and pencils.

Back to school classroom

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Create a Homework Nook

As most parents know homework can be the bane of the school year, most kids hate doing homework. Why not create a neat, cozy, and fun homework nook for them to take pride in. This space will create a sense of ownership and build quality skills of keeping their space tidy and working on time management.  Bonus if your kids love their new workspace, they may actually be excited to do their homework!

Read a Fun Back to School Book

Head over to Mimico library or visit your own bookshelf for some back-to-school books. Read fun back-to-school classics to get your kids in the mood for the new school year.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
  • School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
  • All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Make a Sign and Take Back to School Photos

Taking memorable photos of your kids (they can make and hold a sign with the year and grade) heading back to school is fun and such a great memory to look back upon. Have them compare their pictures at the end of the year to see how much they have grown and changed!  We bet it’s a lot!!

Create a Wish Jar

Create a jar and let your kids write their goals and wishes starting the first day of school and put them in the jar (with their names). The art of writing down a goal or a wish truly creates a sense of confidence and creates a fun way to aim for the stars!

Take a few or all these ideas and make that big day memorable for you and your kiddos. Send them off with all the love and courage to give them a great start to their year. Best of luck to all guardians out there for the new school year. We hope these tips make the start of the new school year awesome!

 

Download your 2023 | 2024 TDSB & TCDSB School Calendar here: 

 “Want to get your back-to-school calendar for 2023-2024? Download a printable PDF right here.” It’s perfect to keep on your fridge or cork board!
 

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