Radio Commentary
When a new school year gets
underway, families experience new routines, schedules, and priorities. Before
summer ends, taking these simple steps can help your family gear up for a great
year.
Keep a large calendar. Mark each
family member’s activities in a different-colored pen.
Re-establish bedtimes for school
nights. Get children in the habit of preparing for each school day the night
before. They can set out clothes, pack a lunch, and set their backpack by the
front door.
Scale
back television time. Create a study space for your child.
Provide pens, pencils, a dictionary, and other supplies.
Establish
a family reading time, and make a plan for after-school activities. Schedule
adequate time for homework, play, clubs, practice, and sports.
Collect important telephone
numbers. Update doctor and work numbers, plus those for the school office and a
neighbor.
Start a
change jar. This can ensure children will have spare lunch money on hand.
Set up a
file for your child’s school papers. Place all school notices in it so you
won’t misplace them.
Create a carpool. Compare schedules
and determine which parents can drive kids which days. Have a back-up plan with
another parent who will exchange pickup favors. This can be very helpful in
case you get sick or delayed by work or traffic.
Taking these few steps can really
help set the tone for a great year of school.
