Helping children adjust to a new school routine can make the transition from summer days to school days feel much easier. Earlier mornings, new schedules, homework, activities, and less free time can take some getting used to, especially during the first few weeks of school.
The good news is that families do not need to create a complicated schedule. A few simple habits, some preparation, and plenty of patience can help children settle into their new school routine and feel more comfortable with what each day brings.
If your child had a big change in their schedule over the summer. You may want to start slowly creating their new school routine.
The goal is not to make every day identical. It is simply to give your child an idea of what their school days will look like. Try doing these tasks a few days before school or during the first week.
Create a challenge for your child. Have a list of what they need to do before leaving the house:
You can have your children practice their school routine for kids. Have them check off each task on their list. For younger children you can let them use a marker to check off their list or have them clip a clothes pin on a picture. Older children can come up with their own list and see how many they can remember without being reminded.
Here are a few school routine tips that you can do the night before your child goes to bed.
Have your child:
You can always do this as a “Ready for Tomorrow” tip. It only takes about 10 minutes.
Have fun with your younger children by saying “Can we get everything ready before this song is over?” Or “Let’s see if you can pack your bag in 20 seconds.”
With the change of having to wake up for school. Your child will have to go to bed at an earlier time than they were used to over the summer. It may take your child a bit of time to adjust to going to bed earlier. Try to move your child to bed earlier if you can.
Some tips for having a bedtime routine:
Try to have a relaxing bedtime routine for your child. Don’t add too many activities to their night.
To learn more, visit: Bedtime Storytelling Ideas for Preschoolers: Creating a Calm Night Routine.
Your child may not like their new school routine right away. They may be happy all summer long, and when school starts, they don’t want to do any of these tasks. Try not to make your child do everything on their list. You can always do these things to help ease your child into their new school routine.
Each child in Silver Spring will have a different schedule. Whether it be school, activities, or getting to school. They may have different schedules and need help learning their new school routine.
Your child may want to do some activities after school. Here are a few tips to help your child learn what to do after school.
Have a routine so they know what to expect after school. You can change the order of your list based on your family’s needs. Some children like to play before they sit down to do something quiet. Other children may like to do homework first.
Allow your child to choose what they want to do first. “Would you like to have your snack or change your clothes first?”
Here are a few tips for Balancing Homework, Activities, and Free Time for Kids.
It may not go perfectly, and that’s okay. Some days your child will not find a shoe or leave their homework at home. Try to keep your school routine as easy as possible so your child can learn from their mistakes.
For families in Silver Spring, school schedules and daily routines can look very different depending on a child’s age, school, activities, and transportation. The best routine is one that fits your family and can realistically be followed on most days.
For more ideas about helping children become comfortable with daily responsibilities, you can also read How to Build Independence Skills in Preschoolers and Building Responsibility.
A new school routine does not need to be perfect to be helpful. With practice and patience, children can gradually become more comfortable knowing what comes next and taking a bigger role in managing their own day.
The beginning of a school year can bring plenty of changes. Keeping routines simple, flexible, and predictable can help children start the year feeling more prepared and confident.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
