Ages 7-10: Getting Ready for a New School Year

By Michele Blandino

It's that time of year again. Despite the fact that there are still signs of summer everywhere, children all over the country are loading up their backpacks and heading back to school. With new teachers, new friends and plenty of new work to get through, many children find their return to the classroom to be overwhelming and even somewhat frightening.

As would be expected, the best way to ensure success in the classroom is to remove the distractions caused by back-to-school fears and anxieties. And, fortunately, there are a few things you can do to give your child the biggest chance of having a successful school year.

Communication is Key

If you suspect your child is having trouble in school, don't wait for the first report card or parent-teacher conference to begin talking to the teacher. Make an appointment at the first sign of trouble and share your concerns with the teacher. Ask for regular notes so that you can keep track of your child's progress throughout the year.

Take the Team Approach

Children, particularly those in the lower grade levels, have a better chance of success in school when their parents participate in their school work. There are several ways you can do this. One way is to review their homework. Although some teachers prefer that parents do not correct mistakes found in the work that children complete at home, looking it over to make note of the child's problem areas can help you see which areas your child may need to spend more time. Similarly, if your child is required to do flashcard drills each day, make sure you do them together. Finally, be sure to set aside some time each day so that your emerging reader can read to you. Daily practice will go a long way toward reinforcing these important skills.

Supplement

While few kids will relish the idea of having to do even more homework, ask the teacher to recommend material you can use to supplement and reinforce the lessons they are learning in the classroom. This extra practice may be all that is needed to help your child address a problem area and can spell the difference between a successful school year and one that is wrought with anxiety and frustration.

Be Prepared

It is a proven fact that children who come to school on time, are well-rested and who have had a nutritious breakfast do far better than those who are running into the classroom at the last minute, have had less than eight to ten hours of sleep or have skipped breakfast. If you find mornings to be hectic, be sure to prepare as much as possible the night before. Sending your child off to school in a calm, relaxing manner will go a long way toward helping ensure that the rest of their day goes as smoothly as possible.