top ten strategies to a great start to elementary school!

Introducing—

Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary

School!

Many schools in Chicagoland begin before and just after

Labor Day. These ten tips will help you and your family get

off to a great start to

Elementary School!

Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!

Location, Location!Before school starts, make the school grounds a familiar place. Visit the playground, walk around, spend some time walking your child to the door. Then, bring the backpack and let your child walk to the door while you watch.

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Practice Snoozing!Transition from summer sleep schedules to your school-night bedtime about a week or two before school starts. Sleep habits are critical to learning and success. Pick out clothes the night (or week) before, too.

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Tricky Transitions!Allow time for your child to settle into new routines and reform good habits. Some kids find this time exciting, others find it stressful. Know what works best for each of your kids and customize your approaches.

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Safe Travels!Check with neighbors and known classmates about transportation. If your child is taking the bus, a “Bus Buddy” can be very helpful. Remind your child about safety, too. Bus lines, car lines, and even driveways can be dangerous.

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No Surprise Supplies!Check out the school web site in advance. Shop together for supplies. Even if your district does supplies as a fundraiser, you can shop for a few extras for homework and projects. New supplies can inspire new habits.

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Tell the Whole Truth!If you have concerns or your child has specific needs, be sure the school is aware. If there are BIG changes going on at home like moving, loss, or a new sibling, share this as well. This step helps everyone help your child.

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Read All About It!There are great books and articles about starting a new school year. Do your own homework to pick up pointers and strategies that have worked well for others. Stay a step ahead and feel more in control during this busy time of year.

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Medical Madness!Be sure your child has a current physical examination, dental check up, and a visit to the eye doctor. Have a record handy of immunizations. State laws require all of these docs to be shared with the nurse by October or your child will be excluded from school.

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Trust (Really. . .)!Trust your school. . . about class and teacher placements and the feedback you receive about your child’s progress. Keep lines of communication open and form a partnership. This kind of connection benefits everyone.

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It’s Here! It’s Here!Class and teacher lists typically arrive a week before school. Sport your best “poker face” and mask your own reactions. Kids take so many cues from parents (often repeating what they hear!). Your positive reaction helps set the right tone for the entire year!

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All Together!Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!

Location, Location!Practice Snoozing!Tricky Transitions!Safe Travels!No Surprise Supplies!

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All Together!Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!

Tell the Whole Truth!Read All About It!Medical Madness!

It’s Here! It’s Here!Trust (Really. . .)!

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These ten tips are designed for you to consider and customize to meet the needs of your kids and your school. Here’s to a

terrific start to a great year at

Elementary School!

Questions?Thank you!

top ten strategies to a great start to elementary school!

Education