We're Going Back to School!

Holy cow! Can you believe it? It's finally time for school to start again! As a rule, I am never ever ready to go back to homework, but this year is different. I know I'm going to regret saying this, but I actually miss school! I miss being in class. I miss seeing everyone. And, yes, I actually miss the homework! What's happening to me??!!

And, I know, it's going to be a little different this year, but I can't wait for it to start. In fact, I've been getting ready for the last month. Mom let me convert a corner of the dining room into my new school "Command Center." It's AWESOME!!! It's a desk (that can easily convert to a fort, should the need arise) with my own computer and bookshelf. I have sharpened at least a million pencils and have them all lined up, ready for action!

But, I know there's a lot to consider this year. Mom has been telling me for years that "there is no bigger stage in a child’s development than starting school." Man, even as I write that I can hear her voice... So, to help make sure that everyone's first few days of the year are awesome, here are a few things Ms. Brooke shared with me that you and your parents can do to get ready for the big day.

Talk about it.
The easiest way to get everyone ready for starting school is to discuss it as a family. What are we excited about? What gives us butterflies? What are the expectations? Children can feel a lot more secure with unknowns when they can express it in words. Be positive and supportive.

Read through the paperwork.
Schools will send a bundle of information for you to sift through that may look different than it did last year. Make sure that you take the time to read all of this and make a note of any important information such as procedures and upcoming dates. And, very importantly, make sure that you have a clear understanding of when school is due to start, school hours (online and in person), and how to communicate with your child’s teachers.

Go shopping.
From clothes and shoes (because your child has probably grown out of and worn everything out that they used last year) to a backpack and school supplies, unfortunately, getting ready to start school can be costly. To ensure that you get everything that you need, check the paperwork from school or go online for a list and pace yourself.

Read with your child.
The best way to get your child ready for school is to make sure you read together every single day. This will help them to learn a particular key skill that you may not consider they’ll need for school; sitting still for a prolonged period of time. Let them choose books they are interested in reading. At this point, it’s not so much what they are reading but that they are able to develop a habit of and a love for reading.

Don’t talk about it too much.
The last thing to bear in mind when preparing for starting school is to try not to discuss it too much as this could build up anxiety in your child. Ensure that conversations about school come up naturally. It’s all too easy to be consumed with thoughts about starting school, both for you and your child.

Pray!
The bible calls us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him. Prayer allows us to worship and praise the Lord. Moreover, prayer grants us the opportunity to present our requests to God. He is personal, cares for us, and wants to hear from us!

That's AWESOME!!! And, remember, whatever your first day looks like, me and Ms. Brooke will be praying for you.

Your (ready for school to start) Pal,
Scooter

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13