There is a lot of talk about getting the kids prepared to go back to school physically, emotionally, and socially. While this is important, what about you?
You are the mothers, fathers, and grandparents that are the rock for the children's security. You may be the teachers that are the driving force in the classroom. It is just as important for your mental and emotional health to be prepared.
For the children, it is common to hear, "create a routine" and start before school starts: bedtimes, wake up, drive times, and class schedules. If possible getting a chance to look at the classroom before school starts and where it is compared to the bathrooms, office, and lunchroom. Yet for us adults, it is just as important in order to stave off the anxiety that goes with the new routines. Put them in-play ahead of time.
Staying positive when talking about the new school year and setting goals with the children is another easy opportunity to start your year off right. For teachers and guardians, plan on there being fundraising events, sports, music, or theatre and it will be less overwhelming when the activities begin.
Children are coached to find new people to meet and eat with, I challenge the adults to do the same. Having someone that shares the school routines, the extracurricular activities, and/or the same fundraisers is a great way to have back-up in place before those moments happen when you cannot be in two places at one time. This "battle buddy" can also help you when things get tough and you can use a friend that understands what you are going through.
As of today, we are renewed with appreciation for the in person connection that we once took for granted. Now is a great time to pull up some courage to start a conversation with another adult you do not know or another teacher you have not stopped and taken the time to get to know.
We want the kids to have courage, so let's model it for them and be the example. Here are a couple links to good practices for the children and the teachers preparing for school. Have your best year ever!!!
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Teachers:
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