Back to School Tips: Making the Transition Easier

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and the new school year is quickly arriving.

Summer vacation may be a thrilling, active time for children but it can also be difficult to make the transition back to school. With patience and preparation, parents can help make returning to the classroom a breeze.

The first thing that most often dramatically changes for children of all ages during summer is their sleep pattern. Parents can get them accustomed to a sleep routine by getting them to bed earlier immediately.

"To make the adjustment, parents can move back bedtime in 15-minute increments until they reach the desired time", said Gina Reeder, a school social worker at . "It is a much smoother adjustment than altering bedtime the day before school starts."

Brenda Hoppestad, director of , recommends a bedtime routine such as quiet time, a simple snack and a bedtime story.

"When children come to school tired, they are less social, less cooperative and have more difficulty following directions," Hoppestad said.

Hoppestad also suggests preparing anything possible the night before. Having clothes laid out, lunches packed and breakfast made saves time and creates a more relaxed environment.

Reeder agreed.

"Practicing the morning wake-up routines before school starts will decrease anxiety on the first day of school," Reeder said.

Reeder said anxiety can also be reduced by practicing the route to and from school and having the same drop-off or pick-up routine every day.

The after-school routine can be just as vital to a child's success in school as the morning events.

"The abrupt change between the two worlds of school and home can be disorienting," Hoppestad said.

She recommends simply talking to your child about his or her day by asking specific questions to stimulate the conversation.

Whether your child works better by starting homework immediately after school or requires a little break, establishing healthy homework habits from the start is imperative.

"Practicing homework and the routine will make it automatic when the school year begins, Reeder said. "This will help foster independence and confidence in students."

Sheri Daun-Bedford, head of children's department at the , said reading with your child is the best way to prepare him or her for school. It gives kids a start on getting back in school mode and gets new readers in the habit of sitting quietly and listening.

Come take a look at the current display of back-to-school books and videos at the library. These are stories about school and what children can expect, and it's mainly intended for younger students.

Junior high and high school students can find any required reading they may have had in the young adult or adult department.

Returning to school can seem overwhelming but by planning ahead, staying organized and good attitude and involvement from parents, it can be an exciting, positive experience.