We usually think about the needs of our kids before the school year arrives. But as the one who is getting them ready for the new school year, have you ever wondered what you could do for yourself to make the year easier for you? As a parent and former educator and homeschooling parent, I have 8 Tips For Parents to Create An Easy Back To School Transition.
Thank you SignUp.com for sponsoring our Back-To-School post this week! #SignUpdotcom #OurBack2School
8 Tips For Parents to Create An Easy Back To School Transition
Although this list will help your child get ready for school, it’s mostly designed to help you keep your sanity all year long.
Create A Reading Schedule
As a former teacher, one of the most important things is to make sure that my girls are doing their nightly reading. We don’t just do this during the school year, but all summer long. I’m not as strict during the summer, but we make sure to visit the library at least every two weeks for new books. Plus, reading is part of older kids homework, might as well get them used to it now.
Sign Up For Volunteer Hours
A lot of schools now expecting parents to have a certain amount of volunteer hours. Not only will this allow you to spend quality time at school with your child, but parents, believe me when I say that teachers are so grateful for your help!
If you have the time I also suggest being a part of the PTA. Becoming a homeroom parent, or simply let the school know that you are willing to volunteer for events
Create A SignUp.com Account
Now to the fun part! Now that you know all the things that you need to do to have an easy back to school transition let me introduce you to SignUp.com, which is going to help you keep organized and be able to accomplish all of this without stress and as easy as 1,2,3!
Have you ever been in a situation where you were in charge of getting the class party planned or teacher appreciation scheduled? Well, I have, and everything didn’t go as smoothly as I had expected. I was shocked that parents had forgotten dishes and decorations for our teacher appreciation party. I had planned everything in advance, so how did this happen? Well, I think that was the problem. I didn’t have a way to communicate with parents quickly, and many emails sent were not being read. I wished I had known about SignUp.com. Not only is it free, but it’s so simple to use and has a mobile app for on the go!
How does it work?
1- Plan your event
2- Add the people helping, like other parents in the classroom
3- Send out reminders
It’s that simple. Not only can you now plan class parties, teacher appreciation lunches, PTA breakfasts, or simply a snack schedule for your child’s class, but you will be the coolest parent in the school, and you can do this on the go with their app!
Schedule Necessary Dr. Appointments For School Forms
Our oldest daughter has a severe peanut allergy, so we need to make sure that all of her prescriptions are up to date and we have all school forms signed. Make sure also to get vaccines or any paper work from your doctor needed specifically by the school. Sometimes these can take a few weeks, so get them early.
Shop For School Supplies and Clothes Early
I’m not a big fan of having to push my way around the back to school aisles while shopping for supplies and uniforms. I always make sure to either order all of my shopping online, which is what I’m doing this year or pick up a few items at a time. By the end of the summer, I have everything my girls need from their school shopping list.
Most schools will have the list on their website all year long.
Wake-Up and Sleeping Schedule Two Weeks Before School Begins
We know summer is all about fun, but once you are on back to school count down, I suggest getting back on your standard routine. I l like to start this about two weeks before school begins that way the first week back we can get all of our complaining out of the way. By the week before school, they are back on their schedule.
Same things when it comes to waking up. We have an entire routine in the morning which consists of the following.
- Getting Up
- Potty and Brushing Teeth
- Morning Breakfast
- Wash hands, face, and potty again
- Get dressed for school
- Get Hair done; this means time to get shoes on and head out the door
Although it might look tedious, it just makes our morning that much easier!
Create A Monthly Lunch Menu With Shopping List
I’m lucky enough that I have my hubby on lunch duty, but now that we have two elementary kids we need to stay organized on lunches. I highly suggest sitting down with your child and creating a daily lunch menu on your computer or write on your calendar. Not only will this make creating your grocery list easier, but it will allow you to create lunches the night before.
Get Ready For Meet The Teacher and School Tour
Head on over to your child’s school website and pencil down the dates for meet the teacher. Not only is this important for you but for your child to get acquainted with the person who they will be spending most of the days. Sometimes, they even get to meet some of their classmates.
SignUp.com will be my go to planning helper for the new school year, and I can’t wait to plan some amazing events at my daughter’s new school with our PTA team!
For more information and details about SignUp.com make sure to visit their website.
How would you use SignUp.com this school year?
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