The holidays are a magical time for kids, filled with joy, laughter, and a break from the usual routine. However, as the festive season winds down, the reality of returning to school looms. For many, this transition can be challenging. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate this shift smoothly. This BrainPOP At-Home article offers tips to make the back-to-school transition more manageable, whether after a long holiday break, a vacation, or even a long weekend.
How to transition back-to-school after the holidays
Re-establish Routines Gradually
Sleep Schedule: Adjust your child's sleep schedule a week before school resumes. Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up time to align with school hours. As an alternative, consider not adjusting a sleep schedule on breaks. This transition may be easier if you keep it consistent with the regular schedule.
Mealtimes: Reinstate regular mealtimes to ensure your child is well-nourished and energized for school.
Homework and Study Time: If your child has any holiday assignments, help them create a schedule to complete them before school starts.
Keep a consistent activity throughout the holiday: Does your kid love math, science, or reading? Keep up with at least one subject while on holiday or vacation. This may sound challenging, but math and science are everywhere. Consider reading just 20 minutes a day, which can even be done on the go in the car. If you try to do at least one learning activity while on break, the transition back to school may not be as hard.
Talk About It
Open Communication: Encourage your kid to express their feelings about returning to school. Listen to their concerns and offer reassurance. Find ways to support your kid and their transition back to school. For example, a fun conversation starter at dinner could include something your kid is excited to learn more about.
Positive Reinforcement: Remind your child of the positive aspects of school, such as learning new things, seeing friends, and participating in activities they enjoy.
Set goals: To help get your kid excited about going back to school after the holidays, create a board of ideas, items, or activities for your child to get excited about or involved in. This could include a personal challenge. For example, "I'm going to read X amount of books in January to kick off the new year." Kids love to be involved in the process, and it helps motivate them to try new experiences. For more resources, check out this topic on setting goals.
Get Organized
School Supplies: Ensure your child has all the necessary school supplies. Involve them in shopping for and organizing their materials.
Backpack Check: Help your child clean out their backpack and pack it with the essentials for the first day back.
Lunch Prep: Plan and prepare lunches in advance to avoid morning rush and stress.
Check the calendar: Check to see if there are any upcoming school events, spirit days/weeks, or class parties.
Ease into the First Day
Early Bedtime: Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before the first day back.
Calm Morning: On your first morning back, create a relaxed and positive atmosphere. Avoid rushing and allow ample time for breakfast and getting ready.
Positive Send-Off: Offer words of encouragement, support, and understanding on the first day as your kid heads off to school. They may have mixed feelings, so meet them where they are and that you're here to help them in this process. For example, consider leaving a note in their lunchbox. A note can help boost them during the day, and they'll know you're thinking of them.
Stay Involved
Communication with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child's teachers. Stay informed about their progress and any challenges they may be facing.
Homework Support: Provide a quiet and comfortable space for your child to do their homework. Offer assistance when needed but encourage independence.
Extracurricular Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities they enjoy. Participation in activities can help them reconnect with friends and school life.
Transition back to school after the holidays with ease
Naturally, every child is unique, and their transition back to school after the holidays may vary. Patience and support can go a long way in helping with this transition. By implementing these tips and fostering a positive environment, you can help your child ease back into school life with confidence and enthusiasm. For more at-home learning, check out BrainPOP homeschool.
Kelli Rascoe is a Senior Content Strategy Manager at BrainPOP. She has nine years of experience in writing, content marketing, and strategy for tech and Fortune 500 brands. She is also a homeschool momma to a princess scientist and a pack of rescue pups.