The transition back to school can be full of excitement and trepidation for both parents and children. For children who struggle with learning issues, attention difficulties, or developmental delays, there can be many hurdles that exist in addition to the typical challenges of a school day. The following tips may be helpful in setting up your child for a more successful school year.
1. The first weeks of school are all about learning new routines and meeting new people. Obtain pictures of teachers, locations, and activities whenever possible and review them with your child, even after school is already in session. Familiarity with their surroundings and the people in it will free up their attention and energy resources for other kinds of learning.
2. If your child has special needs and requires supports and accommodations, create a one-page summary of important information for the teacher. You may include things such as food allergies, triggers for disruptive behaviors, or list what your child finds reinforcing. Present the information as friendly and helpful manner, rather than a list of expectations.
3. Parents who practice and model good organizational skills set up their child for greater independence and success from an early age. For greater independence in the morning, have bins with each child’s name labeled which contain everything they need to pick up and take with them to school. They can be responsible for putting in some of this material the evening before.
4. Teach your child the process of setting up to begin on their own homework, no matter their age. They can have a visual check list if needed to ensure they have their notebooks, pencils, worksheets, etc. sitting out and ready to start. You can also begin at an early age to teach them to discriminate between work they can do on their own, versus needing to ask for help.
5. Provide your child with an after school routine that helps them wind down, connect with you, and regroup. You might get a smoothie or take a walk in the neighborhood, allowing time for your child to talk about their day at school, or anything else on their mind.
The efforts that you put into preparing your child for the transition into the new school year, and supporting the development of healthy daily habits will pay off when you see a child who is happy to go to school and proud of their growing independence.
Working With Autism is located at 16530 Ventura Blvd, Suite 5101 in Los Angeles. For more information, please call 818-501-4240 and visit www.workingwithautism.com.