As summer is ending teachers and families are getting ready
for school. At my house we are going
through our usual “back to school” shopping; clothes, shoes and supplies.
I like that schools help children develop their executive
functioning skills like planning, prioritizing and organizing. Most schools use folders and a binder to
train children to organize their materials.
At this time of year it is also good for families to think
about what they are doing to teach organization at home as part of the “back
to school” ritual. What are your
routines? Whether your children are just
starting school or moving on to the next level this is a great time to plan
efficient ways to organize materials and morning and homework routines.
Involve your children in the planning. If needed have a schedule with pictures to
help children move through their routine. An official routine may help them
feel like mom is not just nagging, it is in the schedule.
Morning
·
Breakfast – What foods should we have in the
house? What time do we need to
start?
·
Getting Dressed – Choosing clothes the night
before.
·
School lunch – Who will make the lunch? What foods would be good? Will we make it the night before or in the
morning? Does the school have a lunch
service? Can you bring a water bottle or
snack?
·
Back pack – Is everything in the backpack? Where do you keep it? Is it in the child’s bedroom, a mudroom or
near the door?
After school
·
Backpack – Unpack important things as soon as
possible; notes to parents, permission slips, or half eaten lunch items.
·
Homework – What is the best homework
routine? Some children like to do work
right away, while others have activities first or just need time to unwind and
eat a snack. Plan what works for your
child and also think about where the most comfortable and least distracting
place to work would be. Sometimes it
might be in the back seat of the car, but on the less busy days is the kitchen
table or island good or does a lap desk in a quiet corner work better?
As a teacher and then a parent I have always enjoyed this time of
year. Helping children learn to use
routines prepares them for all of the opportunities of the new school year.
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