As we get ready to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer, it’s time to turn our attention to the new school year.
It can be a tough transition from late nights and lie-ins to a regular routine, but it’s important that children start back at school having had plenty of sleep, with homework complete, a healthy breakfast in their bellies and all the correct uniform, books and PE kits.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the fun on summer and put off getting ready for the new term. You can quickly forget all the things you planned to prepare for the next year, so avoid last minute scrambling by being prepared well in advance this summer.
Here’s our tips to help you get organised in plenty of time for the new school year.
Start Early
It’s not always practical to get their new uniforms sorted at the start of summer in case of a growth spurt, but you can get other essentials like pens and pencils, exercise books and new lunch bags.
When shopping for new school shoes, starting early will mean avoiding the crowds. By visiting our in-store fitting experts, we can ensure your child has the most growing room possible, without compromising on support and fit. Check out our comprehensive guide for finding the perfect school shoes before you shop.
Put together a calendar
Hang a large wall calendar somewhere everyone will see it each day, such as the kitchen, and record everyone’s planned activities. Not only will this cut down on confusion, but it puts some of the responsibility for scheduling on your kids, helping them learn to organise their time. Discuss the details such as P.E. days and after school clubs on a Sunday night before school starts, and you’ll all be set to tackle the week ahead.
Set bed times
It may be easier said than done to ensure your child goes to bed on time but a well-rested child is much easier to get going the next morning. Sticking with a routine will make the transition into school mornings much easier. If you’re going for a day out during the holidays, make getting ready a school morning ‘practise run’ to find out how much time you need to get the family ready, so you can set your alarm just right on Monday morning.
Help with homework
There’s nothing worse than a last minute panic to complete homework over the summer, and keeping a homework schedule throughout the holidays will help keep their minds stimulated. It’s important to create tidy and quiet space for your child to study, and make sure you’re on hand to support them if they start to struggle. If there’s a certain subject they’re finding difficult, introduce fun ways to practice and learn while they’re off school, such as maths games online or visiting interactive museums.
Keep breakfast simple
Weekends and holidays are a time for leisurely feasts, but on rushed school mornings you may find you desperately miss that indulgent cup of coffee. Toast, fruit, yogurt and healthy cereals are all quick to prepare and eat so they make perfect weekday staples. Establish what they enjoy during the holidays and be sure to pack healthy snacks, such as raisins or fruit for morning breaks when they might need a little something to see them through until lunchtime.
