The ABC’s of Back to School
Help your children get ready for a new year
By Johna Underwood
Four days after the Fourth of July holiday, I walked into Walmart and saw something that makes parents rejoice and students shudder: the school supply aisles are up! As much as we all might like to squeeze in a few more lazy summer days, back to school will be here before we know it. While I love the anticipation of the new year (and love browsing for new pens and notebooks), getting back into school routines is often a challenge. So, as the countdown to the first day begins, here are a few “ABCs” to help our students get ready for back to school.
A is for appetite.
Summer is great for poolside snacks, ice cream, and snow cones. But as students get ready to fill their backpacks and minds, it is also a good time to consider what will fill their lunch boxes and stomachs. For younger students, breakfast keeps them energized for learning throughout the morning, especially if their lunch is later than they’re used to. For middle and high school students, the school day may start super early due to morning practices, or it may simply seem early after sleeping in during the summer. If they don’t want breakfast before they head out the door, encourage them to eat breakfast in the car, on the bus, or at school to help stave off hunger and fatigue later in the morning. Though they may complain about cafeteria food, or want to go straight for chips and cookies, encourage students to have a well-balanced lunch to help them stay more focused in their afternoon classes and after-school activities. And we all know it will stay hot well into September and October. Remind students to drink lots of water throughout the day, especially at recess and other outdoor activities like sports or marching band.
B is for bedtime.
And bedtime means setting schedules. Summer days are often equal parts lazy and crazy, with each day bringing different plans. But that first bell rings early! It can help all students to start setting regular routines several days before the first day of school. For younger students, this often means an earlier bedtime and a regular morning routine to get ready for the chaos of the first week of school. Middle school and high school students also need a healthy amount of sleep. For busy students who might have later evening practices or jobs, finding the right balance in their schedules can be tricky. Having conversations with older students about a well-balanced schedule, including an “electronics off” routine before bed, a regular wake-up time, and ways to best manage their time when life gets stressful, can encourage them to make healthier choices with their time.
C is for cellphones.
None of our students likes putting away games and phones, especially when summer usually means more relaxed electronic access. Younger students would benefit from gradually shortening game and phone time over the coming days before school starts. Older students with a little more autonomy will still need to know when to put devices down to get schoolwork done and get a good night’s sleep. Good cellphone routines are also important at school. Most educators say that cellphone issues in school continue to be one of the top hindrances to student success. It may help to review school and teacher cellphone policies so students know how to use phones constructively at school, and when it would be best to have the phone put away.
As much as we may sigh when we see those aisles set up at Walmart, educators love this time of year because of all the possibilities for helping students reach their full potential! Welcome back to school!
Johna Underwood teaches English at Gatesville High School.
