Get ready for the school year with these simple back to school tips. Learn how to make school days easier and find simple ways to prepare for a smooth back to school transition.

The start of a new school year can be exciting but also stressful. A smooth transition can make a big difference for both kids and parents. When things go smoothly, kids feel more confident and ready to learn. Parents feel less stressed and more organized.

I remember when my daughter started first grade. We were both nervous and excited. We had forgotten to pack her favorite snack, and she left her homework on the kitchen table. It was a rough morning. From that day, I realized how important it is to prepare ahead of time. A little planning can make the back to school transition much easier.

In this post, I’ll share some simple back to school tips to help your family get ready for the new school year. These tips will help make mornings easier, reduce stress, and set your kids up for success.

Back to School Tips: Establish Routines

Having a routine helps kids know what to expect each day. It can make mornings, after-school time, and evenings go more smoothly. Here are some tips to create a back to school routine for each part of the day.

Morning Routine

Here are some morning routine ideas for your morning routine. Feel free to add more to your morning checklist.

• Wake up at the same time every day.
• Brush teeth and wash face.
• Get dressed for school.
• Eat a healthy breakfast.
• Double-check the backpack for homework and supplies.

After-School Routine

Here are some after-school routine ideas for your after-school routine. Feel free to add more to your after-school checklist.

• Do homework.
• Eat a healthy snack.
• Do any assigned chores.
• Enjoy some playtime or relaxation.

Evening Routine

Here are some evening routine ideas for your evening routine. Feel free to add more to your evening checklist.

• Have dinner with the family.
• Take a bath or shower.
• Spend some quiet time reading.
• Prepare for the next day: plan your outfit for tomorrow, make tomorrow’s lunch.
• Go to bed at the same time every night.

Using Checklists

Checklists can help you set up and follow routines. They remind kids what to do next and help them stay on track. You can make a checklist for each part of the day and post it where your child can see it. I put my kid’s checklist in an inexpensive glass frame. This way, they can use a dry erase marker to check off each task as they complete it.

Back to School Tip: Organize School Supplies

By organizing school supplies, you can help your child find what they need quickly. It also teaches them to be responsible for their things.

Keeping Supplies Organized at Home

• Use bins or baskets to sort supplies.
• Label each bin with what goes inside.
• Keep a special spot for homework supplies.

Labeling and Personalizing Items

• Write your child’s name on all their supplies.
• Use stickers or markers to personalize items.
• Make sure everything has a place to go.

Back to School Tip: Plan for Homework

Having a dedicated homework space is very important. It helps kids focus and get their work done.

Importance of a Dedicated Homework Space

Having a spot for homework makes it easier for kids to concentrate. Kids know where to go when it’s time to study. It helps to separate playtime from work time.

How to Create a Productive Environment

• Choose a quiet area with few distractions.
• Make sure there is good lighting.
• Keep the space tidy and organized.

Necessary Supplies for the Homework Station

• Pencils, pens, and erasers
• Notebooks and paper
• A comfortable chair and a clean desk
• A computer or tablet if needed

Back to School Tip: Develop Healthy Sleep Habits

Getting enough sleep is crucial for kids’ academic success. Sleep helps them remember what they learn and keeps them alert during the day. When kids sleep well, they are more ready to participate in class and do better on tests and assignments.

Tips for Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine

• Set a regular bedtime and stick to it every night.
• Have a relaxing routine before bed, like reading or taking a bath.
• Avoid screens, like TVs and phones, an hour before bedtime.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

• Make sure the bedroom is quiet and dark.
• Keep the room cool and comfortable.
• Use a nightlight if your child is afraid of the dark.

Back to School Tip: Plan Meals

Meal planning can make busy school mornings and evenings much easier. It helps you prepare ahead of time and saves you from last-minute stress.

Meal planning offers several benefits. It ensures that you have healthy meals ready. By planning ahead, you reduce the stress of deciding what to cook each day. This also helps you avoid resorting to last-minute takeout or fast food.

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

• Overnight oats with fruit and nuts.
• Yogurt with granola and berries.
• Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and banana.
• Whole grain cereal with milk.

Lunchbox Meal Prep Tips

• Make sandwiches or wraps with lean meat, cheese, and veggies.
• Pack fruits like apple slices or grapes and veggies like carrot sticks.
• Prepare a batch of pasta or rice and add veggies and a protein for a quick lunch.

Back to School Tip: Create a Family Calendar

A family calendar helps everyone stay organized and know what’s coming up. Here’s how to make one.

• Choose a calendar that works for your family, like a paper one or a digital app.
• Write down all important dates, such as school events, appointments, and family activities.
• Include each family member’s events and activities.
• Update the calendar regularly to keep track of changes or new events.
• Place the calendar in a spot where everyone can see it.

We use a dry erase calendar to keep track of our family activities. For us, it works better than a digital calendar. I use a different color dry erase marker for each member of the family. Our calendar hangs in the kitchen and I review it with the kids while eating breakfast.

Key Points to Remember

Preparing for the back to school season can make a big difference in how smoothly the transition goes for your family. By establishing routines, organizing school supplies, and planning meals, you set your children up for success. Creating a dedicated homework space and developing healthy sleep habits will support their learning. Don’t forget to use tools like checklists and family calendars to stay on track and keep everyone informed. With these back to school tips, here’s to a great school year ahead.