The Week Before School Starts: Some simple things to do to prepare

A list of easy ways to prepare your child 

for the back to school transition

• Start Setting the Alarm- Get back into routine now. Set the alarm, get up, get dressed, have breakfast, do a little school work

• Visit the School- This is a perfect time to visit the school. It is quiet, no kids are there, very few distractions. Walk around, visit the cafeteria, gym, and other important areas. If possible, find out where your child's classroom is and visit there. Go more than once if you can.

• Read a book about Back to School- This will give you a platform to discuss any worries your child may have. Here is a list to look for at the library http://buggyandbuddy.com/our-favorite-childrens-books-for-back-to-school/

• Make a Social Story- Write a social story about back to school for your child to read twice a day until school starts. He can take the story with him to school as well. If you need help writing one, email me.

• Make it Fun- Only say positive things about school and hide your dread. Plan a day to pick out a new backpack or lunch box or hide the school supplies in the house and make a scavenger hunt. If your child senses your anxiety, then it will only make things worse, so start out with a positive attitude!

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It's that time of year again... Your child gets a new teacher!

    The New School Year is Upon Us....Here We Go Again!

    

     

                   (This smiling, happy kid can be your with a little planning ahead!)

So, every year in August you get to "start over" with a new teacher, which has it's pluses and minuses for sure. This can be very stressful for you and your child as you "break in" the new teacher to learning about Autism and specifically how Autism impacts your child. Wouldn't it be nice if she could know it all from the start? I know that teachers are overwhelmed with lots to do at the start of a school year, but they also want to understand their students and get the year started smoothly.

One way I help ease parents' stress (and mine) is to meet with parents the week(s) before school starts and even in the spring of the previous school year. This gives the parents and child time to explore the school, classrooms, and to get to know the staff.


If you or your child is anxious about school starting, call the school or email the teacher and set up an informal meeting. Another way to ease into the school year is with a FAST Autism Profile. This profile is a free download in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. While you are there, check out my Autism Powerpoint for teachers. This too can help teachers and staff understand Autism and how to help kids on the spectrum.

If you have questions or concerns about the new school year or how to communicate with your child's school, email me at theresaswinginthere@gmail.com.

Start planning now for the best school year yet!