KidSPOT Back-to-School Tips

August means that children are going back to school and starting new routines. KidSPOT identifies that these transitions can be difficult for learners of all abilities and has compiled a list of tips to help students ease into the new school year.

1. Create a picture in your child’s mind of what they can expect at school. Drive by or visit the school, if you can, and if they haven't already, set up an appointment so he/she can meet the teacher beforehand. Take pictures while you are visiting that you can look at later and show your child where you will drop them off and pick them up and tell him or her when you will be there.
2. ​​Make a story about your child's first week at school with pictures (can be a simple hand drawn or made on the computer with photos) to review at home. This will allow your child to understand the new schedule and what is expected in new situations.
3. Let your child be active in the preparation. They may want to help pick out their clothes and/or supplies. Provide choices for them so they can gain some control and ownership with the process. For example, “Do you want this lunchbox or that one?”
4. Read books related to your child’s grade level (see a few suggestions below) and discuss with him/her how they are feeling. Expand on these stories and share some of your experiences and stories with them. Some back-to-school book suggestions include:​
   • Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis
     Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGee
     Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
     Kevin Knows the Rules: Introduces Classroom Rules to Kindergarten through Third Grade by Molly Dowd
     Whole Body Listening at School, 2nd Ed by Elizabeth Sautter and Kristen Wilson
5. Use a picture/visual schedule to get ready in the morning and help your child move through the routine quickly.  Build in extra time as you can so they do not feel too rushed.
6. Use the Fusion checklist to fit your child’s backpack properly:
   1. Heavier books are packed towards child's back.
   2. Backpack weighs no more than 10% of child's body weight.
   3. Straps are right and supported by child's body.
   4. Hip belt and chest strap are fastened, if available.
   5. Lower part of backpack rests no lower than 4 inches below waistline.
7. Planners for students returning to middle school or high school can really help identify and hone in on executive functioning issues, as well as help them prioritize their work.  A good example is the "Work Smart Academic Planner" by the same authors of "Smart But Scattered," Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.
8. Plan rituals that are fun and that create a sense of bonding. Try adding personal touches by sending a note and/or photo in your child’s lunch box. Ask the teacher if you can send their favorite “lovey” for the day to help them feel more comfortable.
9. Provide your therapist contact information for your Physical Education teachers. This allows the PE teacher to contact your physical therapist to gain information about modifying gym class activities to meet your child's physical needs.
10. Preparing lunch to accommodate short lunchtimes.  Melanie Potock's "My Munchbug" youtube video is a great reference for ways to help kids eat faster during lunchtime.
    1. Pre-cut packaged foods. You can temporarily re-seal using post-it tabs which are easy for little fingers to peel off.
    2. Pack lunch in a bento box so the kiddo has access to several foods after opening only one container
    3. Cut foods into small, bite-size pieces
    4. Use skewers to string together bite-size pieces (ie. string cheese, lunch meat)
11. Practice handwriting skills by finding a balance between practicing letters and practicing grip. Focusing on everything at once can feel overwhelming especially during homework time after school.
12. Give them "down time" right after school. Sitting and participating in school for 7-8 hours takes a lot our of our kiddos so providing them with at least 30 minutes of time, with no demands, is a helpful way for them to transition home.  Outdoor time is a great way to help them to reset.
13. "How was your day?" can be too open-ended for some students. The following are a few questions to ask your student that are more structured and easier to answer:

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