The 2014-2015 school year is about to begin for your children. This can be a time of excitement and anxiety for kids and parents. It’s exciting to see your child grow up, it makes you anxious wondering how your child will react, and it is hard not to completely know how this school year will bring. Because we understand this, we have put together a quick checklist just for you.

1. Meet the Teacher

Most schools offer an open house or a parent teacher conference to give you an opportunity to meet and fellowship with the person who will be teaching your child. If not, it is always acceptable to contact your child’s teacher via phone or email. They will be happy to speak with you and will be able to answer all of your questions about the upcoming school year.

What to Ask:

How do you plan on developing my child’s social and academic skills?

May I tell you about my child?

What do you expect out of your students?

What are your goals for this school year?

Do you have any advice for my child and I?

2. Tour the School

Taking a tour of the school’s facilities is a great way to put your mind at ease and have an idea of how their administration and safety system is set up. Understanding how they operate will help you and your student feel prepared for the school year. Find out important details like what their parent identification system is and who to call when your student need to be out for a doctors appointment.

3. Tool Up

Obtain a class supply list from your child’s teacher and be sure to double check that you have every item on the list. School supply lists provide a great insight into the schoolwork that is ahead. With unfamiliar or unique tools, allow your child to practice with them before school starts to allow them to build some excitement rather than being scared because they are new.

4. Don’t Push the Review

While it is important to support summer learning and review, don’t spend the entire last weeks of summer vacation studying last year’s curriculum with your child. For children, last minute cramming can heighten their anxiety about the upcoming school year because it reminds them of what they have forgotten rather than what they remembered.

These summer to-do’s can help to put your mind and your child’s mind at ease when starting a new school year. Being worried is a natural parental instinct that comes with being responsible for someone that you love, but shrinking that stress will help create a great experience for you and your student!

Wondering how this may be different for a child that is new to school completely? Our next blog will help you find ways to make your child’s transition to kindergarten a little easier.