Tips to get your child ready for school

The summer is a great time to be a child again.  Running, playing, relaxing, and no learning or structure makes it so much fun to be a child again.  While it is an exciting time, as September approaches it is time to start getting ready for school.  How can you get your child ready so the transition is easy for both your children and you?  Here are some helpful tips to help your student have a head start and make it an easy transition back into their routine.

1. Get back to a routine

Begin a gradual transition from the carefree days of summer to the rigors of the academic schedule. Send the kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, and wake them up a little closer to the usual school start time. Get back into the habit of regular scheduled meals. 

2. Make the first day exciting – get some clothes

Everyone likes to start the first day of school with a brand new outfit.  Walking in confidently is a key to your child’s success.  Let them have a say in the process to engage them.  Having them pick out the outfit prior to the morning of school will build anticipation and make it something they are looking forward to.

3. Get them organized, but make it fun

I often see parents at the store buying all the school supplies by themselves.  This is a great way to get your child involved.  Have them clear out the old suppliers from their workspace and have them come with you to get the new supplies.  Coming home and organizing the new binders, pencils, and other school supplies will help build some excitement behind the upcoming start.

4. Kick-off the year party!

No, really! So many people have pool parties; dances; and other celebrations at the end of the year.  What about celebrating getting back to see friends you haven’t seen all summer.  A great way to get your child and their friends excited about the new school year is to plan a party for the kick-off.  Have them over for pizza at the end of the first week, a great way to make them excited to be back.  

At the end of the day, to our children going back to school seems like such a major disruption after such fun and excitement for two months.  Help make it easier for your child with a few simple tips and make the first day a lot more fun.  Read more parent tips at Tap Peques website.

Looking for Ideas to keep your child busy this summer?

Everyone knows that kids love to be out of school - the freedom, the beautiful weather, no homework, the ability to play all day, and nobody making them sit quietly for hours.  They are never bored right?  We all know that they will not admit it, but they do get bored and this is where as parents we can keep them busy and still enjoying the summer.

Try keeping the kids active this summer with the Olympics.  The Olympics provide a great opportunity for the kids to learn about the world and get motivated to exercise, too.  Ask them to watch some different events - maybe they may find a new sport that interests them.  Swimming, diving, jousting, there are many events that are children may have never seen or really paid attention to.

Some of our kids do go into the summer coming off a challenging year.  If your kids are in Grade 7 or 8 and need help with homework, you can practice over the summer on your math.  Make it a challenge - offer some incentives to improve.  Maybe a special movie night, walk to get some ice cream, or maybe a new song for the Ipod.   Register at ontario.ca/HomeworkHelp
Teachers are available every Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET

For those kids who are in French Immersion, the challenge can be to keep your child's French learning alive over the summer.  Here are some simple ideas:
-watch French children television programming on TFO.
-go to the local library and choose a French book and/or a French Children's DVD; so many awesome titles to choose from.
-explore as parents the Canadian Parents for French website with great resources for you to use with your child. http://cpf.ca/en/resources/for-parents/

Lastly, for those who want a little downtime but somewhere to take your children, find a local 'Storytime'.  This offers kids the opportunity to go out, see other children, and enjoy a story or two.  It also gives Mom or Dad a much needed break, allowing you to sit and relax or interact with other adults.  It is a great opportunity to get out, learn, and enjoy a great book.