Ready or not, it’s back to school time for Prince William County Schools. School begins on Aug. 28. You’ve probably done the back-to-school shopping and visited the schools to meet the teachers. Let’s look at some more ways to kick off a successful school year for your child.
Establish Healthy Routines and Good Habits
Chances are summer routines have been somewhat lax, but school calls for early rising and a fixed schedule. Set firm bedtimes to make sure your child gets the right amount of sleep for his or her age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system and better school performance, behavior, memory and mental health.”
You and your child can sit down and plan healthy breakfasts, school snacks and lunches. Studies show that kids who eat healthy breakfasts and lunches do better in school. Having a say in the planning means they will be more likely to eat the meals.
Some simple habits and routines can make for easier mornings. Lay out the next day’s clothes before going to bed. Pack up the backpacks each night and put them in a designated place for easy retrieval in the morning. Establish an order to the morning ritual — dress, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack lunch box. You can even do a trial run the day before school starts. A successful dry run helps set the habit and can be rewarded — maybe with breakfast out at a favorite restaurant!
Set Up a Homework Place and Schedule
It’s important that kids know that homework is part of the daily routine. It helps them develop the ability to put aside distractions to get needed work done. To aid in that process, you and your child can create a quiet homework space and a specific time to do homework each day. While you don’t want to do your children’s homework for them, you do want to monitor and check it. That keeps you informed of what they are learning and how they are handling the tasks at hand.
Monitor Backpack Safety
Backpacks are necessities, not to mention fashion statements. However, if overpacked or carried incorrectly, they can cause back pain and posture issues. Doctors recommend that children carry no more than 10 percent of their body weight. And while it may look cool to carry it over one shoulder, this practice can cause harm. The National Security Council offers some guidelines for selecting and using backpacks.
Communicate and Participate
Parent involvement in a child’s education makes a big difference. Communicate with teachers from the beginning. Send an email of introduction and offer your support in any way you can. Join the PTA. Make it part of your regular schedule to check the school website. Your time and attention show your child and the school the value you place on their education.
Our area has a strong school system to support all your efforts to kick off a successful school year. Explore the information and resources available to parents and students through Prince William County Schools.
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