Back to School Tips

Making the First Day Easier

• Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her memory about previous years, when she may have returned home after the
  first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your
  youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her)
  to school and pick her up on the first day.
  

Backpack Safety

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
  
• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack
  heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should
  never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student’s body weight.
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack
  over one shoulder can strain muscles.
• Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

Traveling To and From School
Review the basic rules with your youngster:
School Bus

• If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder
  seat belts, make sure your child uses
  one at all times when in the bus.
  
• Wait for the bus to stop before
  approaching it from the curb.
• Do not move around on the bus.
• Check to see that no other traffic is
  coming before crossing.
• Make sure to always remain in
  clear view of the bus driver.

Bike

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
• Use appropriate hand signals.
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.
• Know the “rules of the road.”
  

Walking to School

• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained
  adult crossing guards at every intersection.
• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children
  are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether
  or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
• Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters
  needs a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home
  that offers privacy.
• Set aside ample time for homework.
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never
  do a child’s homework for her.
• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while
  studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes,
  stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.

Source: www.aap.org

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