This year my daughter is going to start preschool of sorts through the Mom's Day Out at our church. Here in Arizona many of our districts are in their second week of back to school, but Aly doesn't start until September. We have had a wonderful summer of LOTS of quality time. While I feel very blessed to have this time with my daughter, by the end of the summer it results in her demanding my constant attention and refusing to leave my side. Oh boy! How are five hours away from mom going to go over? So I came up with some ideas to get her looking forward to school.
1. Picking out a new outfit. My daughter is already a fierce fashionista at the age of three. Whether it's a new accessory, like a bright, blinged out pair of sunglasses, or a whole outfit depends on your budget. For my daughter an occasion calling for new clothes makes it special! Is money too tight for new clothes? Figure out a new hair style with online how to guides such as Pinterest and YouTube. Grab some ribbon in the school colors and weave it into a braid.
2. Shopping for back to school supplies. Aly was very excited to be getting new school supplies. Markers basically translate to "We will be doing something fun" in Aly's world. This can also include lunch supplies. While school supplies tend to be very specific, lunch can be a time for self expression. Lunch boxes, cold packs, thermoses, lunch skins, sandwich containers, water bottles, sandwich cutters and more help make the idea of eating lunch without mom more exciting.
3. Get a book about going to school. Today I plan on hitting our local Barnes and Noble to browse selections such as T is for Teachers, First Day Jitters, Kindergarten Rocks, and anything else with such subject matter. If you can't afford a book check out your local library or tell your child about a positive first day school experience of your own.
4. Friends. Aly is a combination social butterfly and only child, so for her the pull of friends is very strong. Talk about friends you know will be in their class and how exciting it is to make new friends. Tell them about any friends you may currently have that you met in school. Maybe even reserve a play date for friends from school.
5. Attend open house if available. If not available ask if you can have a tour. Walk your child through where they will start their day, go to the bathroom, drink from the fountain, play at recess, eat lunch, and meet you after school. Make sure they feel confident in who to ask or where to go if they need help. Meet all the teachers. Kids are very excited about home room but don't forget they also have library, music, art, technology, physical education, and sometimes language. Introduce your child to all the adults and rooms that will be part of their routine schedule.
6. Make the first day of school an occasion to remember! I am a Pinterest addict and I love an idea I saw shared for a back to school breakfast. It came from Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas. http://blog.amyatlas.com/2011/08/back-to-school-roundup-part-ii/
She used lined paper to make a breakfast place setting school themed. Super cute Amy!
You can also make a back to school craft with your child. Let them make a crayon wreath or teacher appreciation present for the first day of school. Target also has a great line of back to school cards with inspiring messages for a successful year. Make a back to school scrapbook. Take a picture recording fun facts like their grade, age, favorite subject, things they currently like, and what they are most excited about for the first day. Pull it out each year to see how they have grown and recapture that first day excitement.
Well I can't wait to celebrate our first day of Preschool! Le tme know how you make your children's first day back to school extra special in the comment section.
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