TIP of the WEEK: Back to School

August 9, 2013

• 1. If your kids have been on a summer sleep schedule ( later bedtimes and later mornings ) then start now with the new sleep schedule. It will take a few weeks to get used to school bedtimes and early mornings.

• 2. If your child has a new teacher or classroom ask if you can visit before school starts. A picture of the new environment and/or a visit to the school will ease some of the anxiety that comes with change.

• 3. Wash new school clothes several times before asking your child to wear them. Stiff clothes with tags will likely not be tolerated. Have your child wear new outfits at home before sending them off to school in them. This will allow your child to concentrate on school and not the unfamiliar outfit or pair of shoes he or she is wearing.

• 4. Be sure nap time and/or frequent sensory breaks are incorporated into your child’s day. In many cases our kids lack the attention span to sit through an hour long class. Make sure the school is aware of this.

• 5. Have a back-up plan for the first few weeks. Your child may be experiencing anxiety levels higher than usual and may not be able to tolerate a full day of school. If you are expected to be at work full time then make arrangements now for half days, late mornings or needed early release.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services
 

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Strategies for the Classroom
Change is Hard
Daily Schedules