7 Tips to Prepare for the New School Year

The new school year is upon us. Because the lazy days of summer changed eating and sleeping routines, many children may find it challenging to function the first few weeks as they enter schools in Polk County. The Catholic Diocese of Orlando has preparation tips for you and your children to ease into the school year.

• Supply demands: The school supply lists are available and ready to be fulfilled. Give your child the responsibility of picking out the objects on the list. Young students can help identify the items as you read them aloud, older elementary students can read and find many items with your assistance, and secondary students can choose their own items verified by you before check out.
• Tour guide: School orientation gives your child a chance to see the classroom and meet the teachers, which can alleviate anxiety. Older students can look over their schedules and walk through their daily classes. Knowing beforehand where to find the bathroom, gymnasium, media center, and lunchroom will boost confidence.
• Share the excitement: If your child is anxious about school, remind him or her of last year’s best days – the great grade on an important project, being in a school play, seeing friends again, and playing in sports. Cultivating the positive aspects of school will harvest appreciation.
• Start a routine: Time is not nearly as important during the summer as it is in the school year. Before school begins, slowly move bedtime and waking up times to better match the school schedule. “Slow” is the key; beginning this process a few weeks beforehand means schedules are only changed a few minutes a day to more easily transition to school times.
• Participation: Your child will feel more a part of the school if she or he is planning on joining an athletic or academic team, the band, or chorus. These team activities build camaraderie and teach students to work together rather than as individuals.
• Doctor, doctor!: Medical appointments and sports-related physicals should be completed before school begins. These appointments also include dental and orthodontic visits. Keep in mind that sports physicals generally need to be performed every year to qualify for the team.
• Reading: Success in school is closely tied to the ability to read fluently. Textbooks in high school contain more technical material that necessitates the ability to quickly read context in order to understand concepts. Reading is a practiced skill, and most educators recommend at least 20 minutes of reading every day. If your child is too young to read, he or she will benefit greatly by your reading aloud.

These basic steps will give your child a head start as the schools in Polk County open for this academic year. Polk County Catholic Schools welcomes all of its new and current students and encourages parents to email us at info@polkcountycatholicschools.com with any questions concerning the beginning of the school year.