Systems & Routines to Help You Launch a Successful School Beginning

I think back to the time when my own children went from a lazy, carefree summer routine to early morning wake-ups and schedules driven by the clock. Change can be difficult. In this mentoring moment I want to offer several ideas for taking the angst out of this new routine and set your heart at ease.

First, be intentional about your mornings. Think through these details before you teach them to your children: determine wake-up time so there is no need to rush; decide breakfast the night before; lay out clothes the night before (your child can help); determine departure time and allow extra minutes to buckle in with bookbag in hand. If you are new to carpool, no worries. Our gracious crew will assist you and your child. Know this: your level of confidence carries over to your child so be calm and assured as you put these systems in place and head to school!

Talk with your child in a relaxed way about making new friends, learning new things, and meeting his or her teacher! Teach your child about your morning routine; children like to know what to expect. Practice this new routine until it becomes automatic. It takes time and repetition so do not become discouraged. Teachers spend the first month establishing their classroom routines and expected behaviors. They are kind and patient, but they do not lower their standards. They know it might take some preschoolers a little longer, but they also know that all can be successful. These small accomplishments build character and confidence.

Ample sleep (11-12 hours) is essential for preschoolers to be attentive and poised to learn. Enough sleep along with a protein breakfast are my two musts for a successful day. Breakfast ideas: protein in the form of eggs, cheese toast, Greek yogurt with fruit, left-over pizza, or quiche. The snack you send is also important. Think: string cheese, peeled mandarin slices, sliced apples, small carrot or celery sticks. Your teachers will provide more details.

Upon returning home from pick-up carpool, provide lunch and down time. Require your child to rest or look at books in his/her room or in a quiet, designated area. Setting a timer in the hallway is a good way to draw a boundary on time. Even if your child deems rest time as unnecessary, you are the wise one who knows differently! Sometimes the excitement of school ‘winds’ children up, and they appear not to need a nap or down-time. Quite the contrary is true. Your child will be tired from listening to the teacher, following directions, and learning new things. Resist a long naptime, however. Your child needs an early bedtime (and you and your spouse need that also)! After rest time, provide outside play where your child can run, jump, kick a ball or play at the nearby park. Large motor movement is so important!

If, on the other hand, you sense that your child is too ‘wired’ and needs to ‘run off steam,’ you might allow 15 minutes of play-time at the nearby park as a better after school alternative. Bring along a ready-made sandwich and allow your child to eat it prior to a short run-around, play time. Some of this will be trial and error to determine what works best, but do not forego the afternoon rest or naptime regardless of which routine you determine as best for your child.

Naturally, you’ll want to know every little detail about the day. Here are some appropriate questions: Tell me one thing you learned about walking in a line in the hallway. Did you play on the playground or in the classroom? Did you meet a new friend? You’ll want to know everything, but three questions is about all your child can handle. Know this: your child has ‘held it together’ at school, and you might get the ‘fall-out’ of the hard work of paying attention, following directions, and active learning. This is common, especially in the beginning. Those little brains are tired!

Most importantly, pray for and with your child as this new chapter begins. We are blessed and honored to partner with you in the early education of your child. If I can be of help to you, please text or call me at 678-313-9810 or e-mail me @ jbrostrand@redeemerdayschool.org. I am looking forward to partnering with you this year!
 

If you would like to reach out to Jeannie, you may email her at jbrostrand@redeemerdayschool.org.