This probably isn’t news to anyone, but school’s starting this week. I see signs of this everywhere I go as shoppers search for clothing, school supplies and backpacks while the schools prepare classrooms, buses and cafeterias for new and returning students.
Starting school is an exciting time for all students, parents and schools as well. Enthusiasm abounds and all sorts of preparations are made for success in school and other activities. New students look forward to learning new skills and making friends as returning students renew friendships while advancing skill levels. Adults in all positions, parents, teachers, and others, work together to secure for each student the most successful school year possible.
Beyond these efforts, however, there are some skills parents can help children learn as they begin school. These do not duplicate what the school teaches nor require parents to teach school. Rather, they focus on helping students of all ages learn organizational and functional skills that are important to their success both in school and in later life.
From the first day of school, making sure students get adequate sleep each night is of primary importance. In the early weeks of school, getting up on time is hard for kids. Make sure bedtime allows them to get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night.
Because homework time will be needed each evening, think carefully about television use as even young students need time each evening to be read to (being read to is a critical factor in developing good readers; those who are read to become readers.)
Forming the habit in early grades of using time set aside for homework contributes greatly to successful high school students. Try turning off TV for the entire family and having reading time instead. If you want kids to read, they also need to see you reading; when your child sees reading is important to you, it will be important to him.
Use evening time for organizing materials, supplies and getting clothes ready for the next day. Most of us function better wide awake (evenings) than half-asleep (mornings), so doing as much as possible then makes good sense.
If your kids take lunches, pack everything except cold stuff the night before. Get non-perishable breakfast foods out and even set utensils, etc., ready to use. Morning time quickly evaporates and emergencies always occur; laying out everything possible the night before keeps things running smoothly and calmly.
A great way to help children develop self-confidence is to allow them the responsibility for getting themselves ready to whatever extent they are able. Skills such as getting up independently, choosing appropriate clothing, selecting and making breakfast, and getting off on their own with all supplies, books, etc., are learned over a period of time as children become capable of handling each responsibility.
The primary goal of education, whether it takes place in the home, school or society, is to produce self-confidence and capable, independently functioning adults. it is never too early — or too late — to start.
Darby Kethan has a master's degree in child development, and has experience as a social worker, educator of young children, educational consultant, and as a professional trainer for a national educational foundation providing professional development to teachers. Visit her website at darbykethan.com.
