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How come each year getting ready for back-to-school feels like a manic rush? Between needing an all new wardrobe and all of those school supplies, it can be hard to stay organized and make sure you're getting everything you need. If you feel like you’re running around like a headless chicken trying to prepare, here’s a few ideas and tips for Back to School Shopping.
If your child is old enough to have a set class schedule, then organizing by class makes it easier to shop for supplies. Start with one class and brainstorm all of the supplies a child might need for that class. For example, calculators or graphing paper for math classes. Colored pencils and craft supplies for art class.
Every class should get a dedicated notebook too. You can label notebooks by class, or put all the supplies for a class into a bag and label it with the class name.
If your kids are dragging their feet or complaining about the shopping, try letting them pick out one or two items that they can use for class! This could be pretty pencils, a cute graphic folder, a special pencil case, or anything small that they’ll use regularly! Picking out their own supplies makes kids excited to use them when class starts.
Let them pick out what notebooks they want for themselves for each subject, and encourage them to label them. Kids like to draw and write on notebook covers, so let them get creative with it.
For many parents, online learning is still continuing. Online learning is an excellent fit for many kids, but it can still take some getting used to. It takes discipline and organization, neither of which children are known for. If your kids are taking online learning and you're worried about them staying focused and on track, here's our tips!
First step is to make a schedule and stick with it the best you can. Some online schools will have an established schedule already, but what's very important is establishing routines for mornings and after class.
Try timing how long it takes to get ready in the morning, including setting up the computer and logging into a virtual classroom. Test this before the semester starts, and figure out how much time you need to get everyone up and ready. Set that wake-up time and stick to it.
Do the same after classes. Set an established amount of time kids MUST work on homework. This schedule can change if it really needs to, but try your best to stick with it. Kids do well with routine, and you’ll find it makes your life easier too.
In a similar vein to a schedule, try setting up a specific place for online learning to take place. If you live somewhere with enough room to have some sort of office space that no one else uses during school hours, I'd recommend using that! Otherwise, a quiet area where they’re unlikely to be interrupted and where they can still focus also works well.
If at all possible, try to avoid areas with heavy foot traffic like the kitchen or living room. I understand that it’s not always possible, but overall try to find a place for them to work in peace. It’s not fair to your kid if they have to constantly worry about other people interrupting them when they’re trying to focus.
Going back to school doesn’t have to be miserable! It’s a stressful time for everyone, and I promise that no one’s gotten it down to a perfect science. Clothes shopping is another source of back to school stress, but it doesn't have to be with help from the style experts at The Plaid Giraffe Children's Boutique! We have lots to choose from and we’d love to help you find something perfect!
