🌱🖍️Managing Emotions for Back to School 🚌🌱

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Feature Articles

• Activities of the Week

Feature Articles

Caroline Miller, author of Back to School Anxiety identifies some reasons kids anxiety can increase at the start of a new school year, ways parents can help kids overcome these anxieties and signs that an anxious child might need more support and where to find more support when needed.

In Supporting the Mixed Emotions of Back to School, Robyen Hanley-Dafoe Ed.D explains that no matter if your children are excited or nervous about starting the new school year, taking the approach of preparing heads, hearts and bodies can make the transition smoother.

Activities of the Week

Pick one or two activities from this list that you can do with your children to help them adjust to starting school.

School Tour

• Arrange a visit to the school before the first day. Walk around the building, visit the classroom, playground, and other important areas.

• If allowed, let your child play on the playground or sit in the classroom for a few minutes. This can make the environment feel more familiar and less intimidating.

Creating a Routine Chart

Materials Needed:

• Poster board, large paper or calendar

• Markers or crayons

• Stickers (optional)

Instructions:

• Work with your child to create a routine chart. Include things that can be done in the mornings and afternoons and any activities that involve children.

• Use drawings or stickers to make the chart visually appealing.

• Display the chart in a prominent place and follow it each morning to help your child feel prepared and organized.

Packing a Special School Bag

Materials Needed:

• A new school bag or backpack

• School supplies (crayons, pencils, notebooks, etc.)

• A small comfort item (e.g., a family photo, a favorite toy)

Instructions:

• Involve your child in choosing and packing their school bag. Let them pick out some new supplies and a small comfort item to bring with them.

• Talk about what they’ll need each day and practice packing and unpacking the bag together.

Creating a Goodbye Ritual

• Create a special goodbye ritual with your child, such as a secret handshake, a hug and kiss, or a special phrase.

• Practice the ritual in the days leading up to the first day of school so it becomes a comforting routine.

Lunchbox Notes

Materials Needed:

• Small pieces of paper or sticky notes

• Pens or markers

Instructions:

• Write short, encouraging notes or draw small pictures to place in your child’s lunchbox each day.

• These notes can remind your child that you’re thinking of them and provide a boost of confidence and comfort.

Buddy System

• If possible, arrange a playdate with a classmate before school starts. This can help your child have a familiar face in the classroom.

• Talk to your child about looking out for their buddy and how they can support each other during the school day.

Paper chain count down for back to school

Creating a paper chain countdown is a fun and visual way to help children count down the days until school starts. It can build excitement and help them understand the concept of time leading up to the big day. Here’s how to make one:

Paper Chain Countdown for Back to School

Materials Needed:

• Colored construction paper or craft paper

• Scissors

• Glue, tape, or stapler

• Markers or crayons

• Stickers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strips:

   • Cut the construction paper into strips. Each strip should be about 1 inch wide and 8-10 inches long. You’ll need one strip for each day of the countdown. For example, if there are 10 days until school starts, you’ll need 10 strips.

2. Decorate the Strips:

   • Decorate each strip with markers, crayons, or stickers. You can write numbers on each strip to represent the countdown days (e.g., 10, 9, 8, etc.), or write encouraging messages and school-related drawings.

3. Form the Chain:

   • Take the first strip (representing the first day of the countdown) and form a loop, securing the ends with glue, tape, or a stapler.

   • Loop the next strip through the first loop and secure it in the same way, forming a chain.

   • Continue adding strips in this manner until all strips are connected in a long paper chain.

4. Display the Chain:

   • Hang the paper chain in a visible place, such as on a wall in the child’s room or in a common area of the house.

5. Countdown Activity:

   • Each day, have your child remove one link from the chain. As the chain gets shorter, they’ll visually see the days counting down to the start of school.

   • Make it a daily ritual to discuss what they’re excited about or any concerns they have about school. This can be a great opportunity to address any anxieties and build excitement.

   • Write a fun fact about school, a positive affirmation, or a quick activity (like “draw a picture of your new classroom”) on each strip to engage your child daily.

Wrap Up:

Starting or returning to school is a significant milestone, and your dedication to supporting your child’s emotional well-being is commendable. Remember, every small step you take to help your child manage their emotions contributes to their overall growth and resilience.

Warm Regards,

Millie & Melissa

The Sproutly Team