Four Fun Ways to Get Ready for a New School Year

As the summer months wind down, the first day of school is right around the corner. To help make this school year the best one yet, check out four activities that can help your child build excitement and enthusiasm for learning.

1. Build the Perfect Homework Space

Though children might wish it wasn’t the case, homework is a necessary part of their learning. One way to relieve some of the anxiety that can accompany homework is to help your child construct a designated homework station that will boost their productivity as well as their mood as they complete their work. Check out this blog for some tips and tricks on everything from selecting the right location to gathering supplies.

2. Make Time for Routine Fun

Adjusting to a new schedule can seem daunting to children and adults alike. Getting into a consistent routine before school begins will help children feel confident and prepared on their first day and all through the year! Every family is different, so it’s important to customize your plan in a way that works best for your individual situation. To get you started, we’ve put together a list of ideas to keep in mind as you build a routine of your own!

• Plan something fun to keep each day exciting and motivating – watch an episode of a show together, read a chapter of a book or go on a walk each evening!
   
• Have your child help pack lunches the night before to make sure they look forward to the meal the next day.
   
• Pick out clothes with your child the night before. They might be more enthusiastic about going to school if they have the freedom to select an outfit that they’re proud to wear!
   
• Be consistent with bedtime and wake-up time to make sticking to a routine easier. Practice this timing before the school year starts to avoid the stress of a changing sleep schedule.

3. Practice STEM Learning With Hands-on Activities

With our free hands-on activities that make STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics fun and approachable, kids will realize that STEM learning can be active and imaginative. Learning becomes more exciting when children are allowed to explore their interests – luckily, there’s a place in STEM for everyone. Our hands-on activities allow children to build vital STEM skills through baking, music, sports and more!

4. Read an Encouraging Book

For kids who are not naturally interested in STEM, these subjects sometimes can be intimidating. Reading books that encourage students to try new things or explore STEM themes in exciting ways is a great way to help children overcome the apprehension they might experience ahead of the school year. To help you get started, here are just a few of our favorites:

“The Magical Yet” by Angela DiTerlizzi

As a brightly illustrated, rhyming book, “The Magical Yet” is an engaging story for young readers. The book introduces children to their new best friend – the Yet – who encourages them to practice persistence as they learn new skills. We all experience failures, challenges and nervousness, but this book reminds us that anything is possible, we just haven’t learned everything yet.

“Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons” by Arlyne Simon

This story follows young Abby through her innovative journey while encouraging children to follow their curiosity, just like inventors. Abby must be persistent to overcome obstacles and think creatively to come up with solutions to one of childhoods toughest problems – constantly breaking crayons! The book explores STEM concepts in an approachable way and even includes an activity page for children to complete after reading.

“Dragons and Marshmallows” by Asia Citro

“Dragons and Marshmallows”, the first story in the Zoey and Sassafras chapter book series, is filled with wonder, adventure, learning and even magic! The main character, Zoey, learns an incredible secret about magical animals, and must use science to help Marshmallow, a sick baby dragon. As new scientific concepts are discussed, readers are provided with kid-friendly explanations and a glossary of definitions to ensure understanding. Children who enjoy this book will be happy to know Zoey continues her adventures with magical animals throughout the series!

For even more STEM book recommendations, check out our STEM Resources for Parents.

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Stay tuned to our blog for more ideas on getting into the back-to-school spirit!