My sweet friend Lisa McAfee on starting school.
Starting
School
When
thinking about the first week of school, consider easing into routines and
subjects. Sometimes setting a new routine can be one of the most difficult
things to do after you have had a break from school.
Consider starting school midweek.
As far as setting a routine for school, I always began school on Wednesday.
That way we had three days of school instead of a full week. It was an
easier transition for the children AND for me. We could get used to the
routine in a more gentle way than hitting the school year full force.
Get a good night's sleep. The
day will be much better if you allow time for everyone (including you, Teacher)
to get a full night's rest. Going on little sleep makes it difficult to
concentrate and focus. I know from personal experience! :)
Start every day at the same
time. Whether you plan on starting at 8:00 or 9:00 (or
later), have everyone ready to begin school and stay consistent. The first week
may be begun an hour later since you are easing into things, but I actually
found that when I did that my sons were not happy with me when they had to get
up early the following week. Instead, I shortened the day that we finished
school, and I
made sure that emphasized that. lol
Eat breakfast. For
years I would skip breakfast and then have to listen to my stomach gurgle and
try to keep my mind on my work, all the while wishing it was lunchtime. That
was not the smart and now I have my husband to thank because every morning he
makes us a delicious, nutritious smoothie that he either puts on my desk or
hands to me as I am flying out the door to teach. Breakfast breaks your fast
and sets you on the road to teaching and learning.
Go over your schedule.
I think it is good to preview the day with your daughter or son, even if you
just say, "This morning we are going to be learning our numbers and
practicing our ABC's." Your child knows what is going to be
happening and you have said it, providing some accountability to yourself as
well.
Begin with a few subjects.
As far as subjects are concerned for the first week, I just concentrated upon
reading and math. I found a good read aloud book to start our day. With
everyone beginning the school day on a pleasant note, we then went into math.
Reviewing formerly learned concepts and providing successful experiences will
set a positive tone for the year.
Celebrate the beginning of your new
school year. You can end the day with a fun activity, a special
dinner, or a board game your son or daughter likes to play. Relax before
going to bed so that you are ready to begin again.
You
are a remarkable teacher and mother. You are going to have a great year!
~Lisa
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