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As soon as summer starts to wind down, it is time to purchase the essentials you need to get your child ready for another (or even a first) year of school. Making “preparing for school” into an event that the whole family enjoys will help your child feel ready-and also show him that you are interested and involved with his education. Take some time in the weeks leading up to the big day, and plan a few outings and activities to be sure you both are ready. Try a few of the tips below to get started:
• Buy a new backpack and lunchbox. Even if your child has a backpack left over from last year, you may want to invest in a new one-you can still keep the old one for long car trips or sleepovers. Your child’s taste may have changed over the last year, and the new backpack and lunchbox can reflect their “new” style.
• Shop together for school supplies: Most schools will provide you with a list of items that your child will need for classroom use, or will need to contribute to the classroom. Make an even of shopping for these together, and check each item off your list as you find it. Most big box retailers offer great “back to school” promotions during the latter half of August, so shop around for the best deals.
• Buy new shoes: Pick up a new pair of shoes. Chances are, if you purchased shoes during the prior school year they have either gotten too small, or are simply to worn to start a new year. Many stores offer back to school savings, so it is a good time to stock up.
• Visit the school in advance: If your child will be attending a new school for the first time, or is going into Kindergarten, you should try to visit the school in advance, so he or she can take a look around. Take some time to play on the playground, if it is open, and drive by the entrances and carpool or bus drop off so your child will know exactly where she is headed on the first day.
• Make a countdown calendar: Keep track of the days with a calendar, and count down the number of days til the big day together. Younger children will enjoy making a paper chain, and tearing off one “link” per day.
• Talk about school: For returning students, talk about what teachers or specials they may have in the upcoming year. For new students, talk about the fun things you do in school, and read books that feature characters going to school, or that are set in school environments.
Plan ahead and you will both be ready for the big day. If you work outside the home, consider taking the first day of school off-you will be ready for the break, and you will be better able to help your child get ready that first hectic morning if you are not concerned about your own schedule.
Denise Sanger is the Vice President of a Toy Company that specializes in swimming pool/bath tub toys. She also owns and operates NewCoolToysOnline.com that carries a large selection of toys for active and outdoor play including educational toys, pool toys, pedal cars, playground toys, and creative toys.
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