It’s that time of year again! As the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year approaches it is time to get organized so your children will have a full year of fun, learning and success! Here are a few ideas to help you get your school year of to a great start!
Stock up on school supplies.
Start watching the newspaper circulars to get the best deals on supplies. Get your school’s supply list ahead of time to find the best prices. Definitely take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday if your state has one. Tennessee’s Sales Tax Holiday is Friday August 6th- Sunday August 8th.
Start your routines ahead of time.
Don’t wait until the first day of school to try out your new morning routine. Ease your children into their new schedule to make things less hectic for them, and you! During the week before school begins get back into the habit of a regular bedtime routine so that your child is getting plenty of sleep before the big day!
Hand over some of the responsibility to your child.
Create checklists to hang in the bathroom and each child’s room to remind them of tasks they should complete before gong to bed and when waking up in the morning. For example, brush teeth, comb hair, put on pajamas or get dressed. Around first or second grade start getting your child used to using an alarm clock. Don’t do everything for them!
Create a landing zone for incoming school stuff.
When your child walks through the door help him get in the habit of putting everything in its place! You will need a place to hang backpacks and jackets, store shoes, and process paperwork.
Set up a paper command center.
The easiest way to process school papers is by setting up a file for each child. When they come home they can unload graded papers and artwork in their file for you to look at later. Keep a separate file or clipboard for papers that need immediate attention or signatures. Homework that needs to be done should go in the designated homework area.
Last but never least… Label Everything!
The best organizational tool out there is the label! Label school supplies, outerwear, backpacks and lunch boxes! After investing all that money on supplies and new clothes a few labels will go a long way when something turns up missing. Make it easy for the finder to make a quick return!
What do you find is the hardest part for your family to get through in a new school year?
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These were great tips! Thank you so much. I have another question…. does anyone know any tips on saving on school supplies???? My family of 4 allways bombs out our check book on school supplies every year! lol but i really need some tips on saving. If someone would please reply to this comment that would be super dooper great!
GREAT tips! :) My eldest is just getting ready for Kindergarten this year – it’s gonna be a whole new ballgame for us entering this phase of life! :)
I just had to share this great article with the young moms in my family. Thanks so much!
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