The countdown to the first day of school is on! With less than a month until the big day, Michigan parents will soon be scrambling to get everything in order for the new school year.
Kendall Schroeder, head of school at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy has some tips to get everyone ready.
Organize Your Calendar – Balancing everyone’s schedule can be a hassle. Visit your child’s school website to find the academic calendar and mark important dates such as holidays, half days and more on yours. While you’re there, gather other important information like their principal, teacher and counselor’s contact information.
Reawaken Your Child’s Brain – Summer learning loss is real! Studies show students of all ages may lose as much as 27% of their school-year gains during summer break. Parents should incorporate fun learning adventures like gardening, cooking, exploring and more into their child’s summer routine to ensure they enjoy the final days of vacation while expanding their minds.
Enforce a Bedtime Routine – With more daylight and warmer nights, the summer months lead to less structured bedtime. Parents should begin gradually shifting bedtime. Try 10 minutes earlier each day, about two weeks before classes begin to avoid making the normal school bedtime feel unexpected.
Shop for Supplies – Back-to-school shopping is an easy way to generate excitement about returning to school. By including your child in the process, they’ll feel empowered and more eager to use the supplies they picked out themselves. Plus it’s a great opportunity to educate them on budgeting and prioritizing needs versus wants.
Meal Prep – Busy mornings and nights are ahead! Save time thinking about what to make for each meal of the day by building a list with some new lunch ideas, quick dinner recipes and healthy snack ideas that will keep you and your family healthy all year long.
