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With just a few weeks left of our summer vacation, I finally decided that we needed to get ready for the coming school year. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a few more weeks left with my son, but first grade is just around the corner, and unlike Kindergarten, we’ll have to be a bit more organized with a plan to ensure success. We’re in the know about the latest Fall trends, have 4 new back-to-school outfits, and have a repertoire of Bento lunchbox ideas designed to make packing a lunch easy and fun. Last on the list is creating a home environment that is organized and conducive to learning.
1. Re-establish Routines: Because the school’s year’s schedule is rigid, I give my children the summer off. We sleep in, eat breakfast at varied times, and go to camp at leisure. The only routine we continue is nightly reading and homework, albeit not as rigid or structured as it is during the school year. With just two weeks before the start of the new year, it’s time to start adjusting my son’s sleep and wake schedules. Starting at even 15 minute intervals over the next few weeks will ensure that waking up before the sun is out isn’t such a drastic shock. Tip: We’ve been using the OK to Wake! Children’s Alarm Clock and Nightlight to re-establish bedtime routines and teach our children how to tell time.
2. Get equipped for success: When I was in school, our lists were more of guidelines, and very often my parents were guessing as to what I would need. These days, technology has advanced to the point that teachers can posts their class lists online before the school year begins, making shopping practically effortless.
This is the second year we’ve used Classrooms by Walmart to shop for back-to-school supplies and while I prefer to shop in-store, purchasing supplies online is an easy, time-saving option.
For just $22 plus tax, we were able to find practically every item on the list.
3. Establish a homework plan: Of all the changes my son had to adapt to during his first year of school, homework was probably the most challenging. As a young girl, I remember being very diligent about homework, even if I did not enjoy it. My son and I struggled through much of the year to complete his monthly homework assignments and with 1st grade increasing the frequency to weekly, I’ll need to be that much more organized. Some of the things we’ll be doing this year include setting a regular time and place for homework each night. Last year we put together a homework box complete with pencils, a sharpener, crayons, markers, scissors, and erasers which we’ll use again this year. Additionally, I created a filing and organization system for my son’s homework so that we can file away book reports and art projects and readily access the week’s assignments.
4. Set up a family calendar: Before my husband and I set up an online calendar, there was a lot of stress and confusion about our schedules. We’ve tried a number of planners, but the one system that consistently works for us is Google’s free online calendar. We can color code each of our schedules and both of us have access from our phones and our laptops.
For those of you who prefer the traditional paper planner, Studio C by Carolina Pad offers classic, elegant styles with a trendy edge. This is Carolina Pad’s signature brand which is why I was super excited to learn that Walmart would be carrying a large selection of their products. With bold patterns, hip colors, and unbeatable functionality, Studio C by Carolina Pad is an awesome, affordable option for notebooks, file folders, memo pads, planners, and journals.
Walmart has several free, online resources to make getting back into a routine seamless. Check them out:
- Amazing On A Budget: This shareable shopping list features trending items and budget finds from real shoppers.
- Trending Now Tab: Access the Trending Tab via Walmart’s home page to see top searches, reviews and pins from previous shoppers in real-time.
- eBox Tops: This cash back program helps you earn up to 4% for your school
How do you prepare for the coming school year? I’d love to hear your tips and ideas!
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