Wow, another summer went flying by. The leaves are turning, it's getting cooler--wait, no it isn't. It's still really, really hot! And the leaves are still green! What happened to summertime? Back to school sales started in JULY in the Thousand Oaks area, Target had specials and deals as early as the 15th. Notebooks were on the shelves at the Oxnard Wal-Mart, and the Simi Wal-mart. Why is it that "Back to School" has started to feel like "Never Left School?"
Like Christmas in October, schooltime is creeping forward, and parents are being asked to shoulder more and more of the load, with summer reading projects that must be completed by the first day of school, writing projects, and more. "Summer school" may be dying out in our area, but school still happens in the summer! Now that August really is drawing to a close, it's important to take a few minutes and really talk to your students about drawing a clear distinction between summer learning and getting ready for school.
First, make sure you have your dates straight! School calendars are slowly popping up on district websites, check there first. Watch the dates, though--several of the calendars we checked recently were still up from LAST year.
Second, get out a list and start taking notes on needs.
For elementary students, check the condition of last year's lunchbox, backpack, and notebook--these supplies are essential for a healthy, comfortable student. Lunchboxes should be sturdy enough to withstand minor damage, re-usable lunch bags should be in ONE piece, especially if they're insulated! Any rust on a box, missing or sharp pieces, or cracked/cut fabric is the key to replacing the item. Backpacks should be in good shape--if the bag is 100% nylon (no metal or leather) throw it through the washer on LOW speed and COLD water if you're concerned about fabric condition. Torn or missing straps is an indicator for a replacement. Notebooks should be clean, and work very easily. A simple report folder works well as a paper-transporter, tape a homework sheet inside the front cover to record daily assignments.
For older students, make sure that notebooks and backpacks are in whole condition--the basic rule of thumb I use is the "garage sale". If I wouldn't buy it at a garage sale, my kids aren't going to carry it around! Creative alteration of a backpack doesn't necessarily disqualify it from use, IF the straps are in one piece and not frayed at the attachment points. If you're looking at investing in more robust bags, a leather-bottomed bag is more than sufficient. Resist the temptation to buy bags with wheels--they weigh exponentially more, and can cause injuries, especially in schools with stairwells!
OK, now that the basics are covered, pencils, paper, etc. should be purchased, but not in massive quantities unless you have a lot of school kids around. Younger students should have larger-diameter materials available to assist with gross motor development--avoid thin, especially mechanical pencils, as their smaller size is more difficult to control. Mechanical pencils will not handle the increased point pressure that many younger students use when writing, and the constant snapping of the pencil leads is frustrating. Stick with the old standbys for now. Make sure you purchase a decent supply (1-2 packs) of 3x5 cards--these are some of the most useful items your students can have at home, from making flashcards and taking notes to using them as bookmarks, 3x5s are often your student's best friends.
OK, supplies are in house--now let's put them into use! Gather the kids around the table after dinner and portion out the supplies you've purchased. If the kids are doing their homework in the kitchen, store the extras somewhere where they can get to them, or at least a small supply they can access. If you use their bedrooms as study areas, come up with an accessible, central location for supply storage. Build and pack the backpacks for day one, and set them in the car they'll be taking to school. Yes, a week early. Too many students end up running out the door on day one--make sure they'll at least have their supplies with them!
Finally, set some time aside to talk to your students one-to-one about this year's goals. If your household is two-parent, make sure both parents are in the conversation. This should be a positive experience, no matter what the past history is. It's OK to discuss past concerns, but try to put the idea forward that you'll be working together as a team to overcome them. Don't compare one student's experiences or accomplishments to another's, this should be time dedicated to them as individual students. Lay out a few goals for the first week (all homework done, etc.) that can be easily measured, and a plan for getting them done!
Check back soon for the next steps, once school doors open and the year gets under way! Our website has links to local school districts if you're having trouble, check it out at www.tutor-connection.com.
