Get ready for the first day of school with us!
The first day of school is right around the corner, and it’s time to get excited! With a little preparation, you can turn first-day jitters into first-day joy. Here are 10 fun and practical ways to ensure your child’s first day back is the best one yet, with a little help from Khan Academy Kids.
1. Organize school supplies
Who doesn’t love new school supplies? Before the start of the school year, your child’s school or district will often share supply lists that can help guide you in your shopping. Consider generating some excitement by taking your little one with you to collect their items!
Practice the names of each item by saying them out loud together as you put them in the shopping cart. Buy early to avoid the last-minute rush, and add some colorful flair to your selections!
No school-supply list? At a minimum, consider preparing for the first day of school by shopping for essential items like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils.
2. Set up a homework zone
Just like you need a workspace, creating a cozy study space for your child to do their homework can make a huge difference in their ability to focus. A tidy, well-organized space helps them stay motivated and get excited about learning.
We recommend choosing the spot—ideally a place that you can keep an eye on but also somewhere where your child can have some separation and quiet from the rest of the after-school hustle and bustle. Let your child personalize their area with fun decorations and comfy seating.
If you have older children, consider what your younger children will do if they finish their homework before the others. The Khan Academy Kids app can be a fantastic addition to their study time, offering engaging and educational activities.
3. Establish a routine
Routines bring peace and predictability to the day. Start by setting up a morning and evening schedule. For example:
Morning: an energizing breakfast, a quick review of the day’s schedule, and a pep talk
Evening: homework, dinner, a bit of fun with Khan Academy Kids, and a relaxing bedtime routine
Experts recommend practicing this routine at least a week before the school year starts. Consider having your little one wake up at the right time, go through the motions of getting ready, and eventually running through a similar nighttime routine so they’ll know what to expect when school begins.
4. Review lessons from last year
Dust off those books and take a trip down memory lane with last year’s materials. Or, if your child seems ready, get a head start on the new curriculum to help them feel more confident.
Missing at-home materials? We’ve got you covered! Khan Academy Kids is a great way to jumpstart learning for the new year. With thousands of lessons and activities in math and literacy, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
5. Plan healthy meals
Fueling up with nutritious meals is key to a successful school day. Plan balanced breakfasts and lunches that are both delicious and fun to eat. Here are some easy, healthy recipe ideas:
Breakfast: colorful fruit smoothies, oatmeal with toppings, and avocado toast
Lunch: turkey and cheese wraps, vibrant fruit salads, and veggie sticks with hummus
Want to be your child’s teacher’s best friend? Ensure your child knows how to independently open everything they pack to ensure a quick and pleasant lunchtime for everyone.
Want to be your own best friend? Consider packing lunches the night before and creating a morning routine that teaches your child to be responsible for removing their own lunchbox from the refrigerator and adding it to their backpack on the way out the door in the morning. We promise, your sanity will thank you.
6. Address emotional well-being
First-day butterflies are normal! Talk about feelings and turn anxiety into excitement. Engage your child with calming and enjoyable activities available on Khan Academy Kids to help ease your kid’s nerves.
In fact, for a specific read-aloud that can generate some great family discussions, try our book Starting School. Together, you can discuss how the flamingo is feeling and relate that to your child’s experiences. For more tips, check out our special section of social-emotional learning tools.
7. Set goals for the school year
Goal setting can be a fun and motivating activity! Help your child set both academic and personal goals. Use a downloadable goal-setting worksheet to track their progress and celebrate achievements.
8. Plan first-day outfits
Help your child feel confident by choosing a first-day outfit together. Make it a fun activity by considering different weather options and letting them express their style. Even if your child’s school requires a uniform, fun things like hair accessories or a unique jacket can inspire a bit of individuality and creativity while still paying attention to the rules.
Consider laying out full outfits together with your child the night before. Knowing that they look great can give them an extra boost of confidence. Plus, having the items ready will make it more likely that they leave with matching socks and shoes, even if you haven’t had your coffee yet.
9. Meet the teacher
Building a positive relationship with teachers is crucial. Send a friendly email introduction to get started. Here’s a sample to help you out:
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am the parent of [Child’s Name], who will be joining your class this year. We are excited about the upcoming school year and look forward to collaborating with you to ensure [Child’s Name]’s success.
Please let us know if there are specific things we can do to support you now and throughout the year. We’d love to stay involved!
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
10. Prepare for transportation
Make transportation fun and stress free! Whether it’s the bus, a carpool, or walking, plan the route and timing together.
Assuming you’re committed to a week of routine before the year begins, consider adding in this next part. Explain in detail how your child will get to school, and then mimic the journey together.
If it’s a carpool, ensure they know who is safe to join in a car and who is not. If it’s the bus, help them understand what it’ll be like to get on, select a seat, and sit politely while they wait to arrive at school. Emphasize safety and they’re sure to enjoy the journey!
Finally, remember to breathe
With all the excitement and preparation, taking a moment to breathe is important. Encourage your child (and yourself!) to take deep breaths, relax, and enjoy the journey. A calm and positive mindset can make all the difference on the first day of school.
We can’t wait to hear how it goes!
You’ll be ready to rock the first day of school by following these tips.
As you prepare for a smooth and joyful transition into the new school year, remember that Khan Academy Kids would love to be a part of it. Share your own first-day-of-school tips by visiting us on social media on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
The post 10 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Back to School appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.
Get ready for the first day of school with us! The first day of school is right around the corner, and it’s time to get excited! With a little preparation, you can turn first-day jitters into first-day joy. Here are 10 fun and practical ways to ensure your child’s first day back is the best
The post 10 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Back to School appeared first on Khan Academy Blog. Khan Academy Kids, back to school Khan Academy Blog
