BACK TO SCHOOL
START THE SCHOOL
YEAR OFF
RIGHT!
As kids head back to school, it’s important to provide
them with the necessary resources to succeed.
As a parent, you can take steps to put your
kids on the path toward a successful school year.
To help your children put the best foot forward,
consider these suggestions from The Salvation Army,
which operates hundreds of low-cost after-school programs
for kids of all ages in low-income neighborhoods
across the country and understands the importance
of setting children up for success all year.
Get back into a routine
During the summer months, family routines tend
to slide, especially morning rituals and bedtime habits.
A few weeks before school starts, begin transitioning
your way back to a normal school schedule.
A gentle progression toward earlier bed and wake-up
times is easier on kids physically and mentally. Try
adjusting by 15 minutes each day until you reach the
optimal schedule for your family. Remember that routines
aren’t just about the clock, though. If there are
certain steps that are part of the school year routine,
such as packing lunches and laying out clothes for the
next day before bed, make those part of your transition
plan, too.
Set a good example
Kids learn important behavioral lessons by watching
the adults in their lives. The back-to-school season
provides many opportunities to demonstrate compassion
Caribbean L 48 ife, Aug. 23, 2019 BQ
and social responsibility. For example, giving
back to an organization like The Salvation Army
helps provide funding for programs that support the
educational needs of children who otherwise may not
have access to the same resources.
Research resources for homework
help
Discovering your child is struggling in school can
be overwhelming. You’ll want to be able to pull in help
as quickly as possible, so it’s a good idea to research
resources in your area that can help provide support
outside the classroom. Your school likely has some options
available, but it’s a good idea to also look into tutoring
programs and other community services that
encourage literacy and study skills as well as provide
one-on-one assistance with homework and school assignments.
Get organized
The fi rst few weeks of school typically bring
plenty of change and adjustment. You can help manage
the stress by creating some structure. Use a wall
calendar to keep track of school start and dismissal
times, bus pick-up and drop-off times, after school activities
and other appointments. Review lunch menus
and plan ahead so you’re not fi nding out at bedtime
that you need to pack a home lunch in the morning.
Stock up on breakfast foods and make time to catch
up on laundry before school begins so hunger and
wayward socks don’t derail your mornings.
Explore extra-curricular programs
With the new school year comes numerous ways
to enrich your kids’ social and cognitive development.
Extra-curricular activities let kids continue
practicing skills even after the school bell rings,
but in a fun environment so they may not even realize
they’re still learning and cultivating healthy,
safe relationships with friends. In addition to
sports and clubs, a wide array of music and art education
activities may be available that focus on everything
from choir, band and dancing to drawing,
writing and acting.
Set goals
Begin the school year by encouraging your children
to take ownership and pride in their learning.
Talk about goals like reading a certain number of
books each month or earning grades that refl ect
their highest potential. Get kids motivated by designing
goal boards or charts that can serve as daily reminders
and track their progress. For larger goals,
consider setting milestones so they can celebrate
progress along the way and stay motivated for a big
fi nish.
Learn more about educational and giving opportunities
in your community at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
Courtesy of Family Features
Follow these tips to help prepare your
children for a successful school year.
/SalvationArmyUSA.org