Getting into the Swing of Things… SCHOOL!
Few things will assist you and your children with a smooth transition back to school as much as a well-established routine and good preparation. Take into consideration sleep habits and family mealtimes. Determine where backpacks and school supplies are going to be kept. Decide on where homework will be done. Preparing before the first day of school will get kids into the swing of the new school year with ease.
Establishing a Routine
Prayer Get in the habit of praying with and for your children as they leave for school. Use Ephesians 6:14-18 to dress your child in the full armor of God. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:14-18
Sleep Habits Start moving bedtime up by five or ten minutes minutes each night to prepare for early mornings. Get your kids out of bed earlier too. An alarm clock is a helpful tool. Place it across the room from the bed so your child has to get up to turn it off.
Mealtimes Plan healthy breakfasts. Have the school lunch menu available and bag lunch supplies accessible. (A basket stocked with kid-friendly, nutritious snacks is good to have ready for children who have a classroom snack time. Kids can toss a snack into their backpacks easily.) Decide what time dinner will be served according to extra curricular activity schedules. Choose a devotional or study to learn God’s Word during breakfast or dinner. Meals are a great time to dive into the Bible as a family.
Getting the Gear
School Supplies School supply lists are generally available weeks before school starts. Shop early when the selection is best. You may not need to buy a new protractor! Take stock in what supplies can be used from the previous school year. Organize supplies in a predetermined homework area. My boys generally work in the kitchen. The computer with Internet access is available, school supplies are stocked in the kitchen desk, and I am handy to answer questions.
Backpacks and Schoolbags Take your child along to choose a new backpack. Have your child try on the backpack to make sure it’s a good fit. Sometimes over-the-shoulder bags are more comfortable for kids than a traditional backpack. Look at both. When you arrive home, label the interior of the bag with permanent marker. Select a place where school bags can be consistently hung. After homework is completed, bags should be packed with all necessary items and placed in the predetermined area. No one enjoys a last minute scramble to search for missing schoolwork or backpacks.
Cold Weather Clothing It’s never too early to purchase winter jackets and snow pants. Again, take your child to the store with you. Make sure he can manage the zippers, buttons, and snaps. Look for boots, mittens, and hats too after checking to see what still fits from the previous year.
A little planning can go a long way in making a smooth transition! Take the time to get organized before the school year begins. Then breath a sigh of relief, everyone is ready to go!
FREEBIE
Download this great tip sheet from the 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Team to help make the transition to school smooth for your children!
The 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Ministry provides expert faith-filled information and heartfelt encouragement for parents and ministry leaders. Book a workshop or retreat for your church or parent group.
© 2012 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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