Teacher Types Top Tips for Back to School

Not long to go now and the kids and teachers across the country will be getting back into school mode ready for another big year of learning! (Did you see my best back to school products post last week? You still have time to order some of these goodies!). Seems that some states go back earlier than others do... hmmm. Anyone know why they do this? We here in SA are back on the 30th of Jan :)

I've teamed up with a fabulous group of Aussie parenting bloggers to bring you the Aussie back to school blog hop! 11 awesome articles on a variety of back to school topics - we've got you covered (all links will be at the end of this post). Be sure to check them out and show them some love :)

As for me, I'm giving you my TOP TIPS for heading back to school

Be Organised... 

...and set the tone at the start of the year for the way you intend to finish the year. Establish your morning routine so that everyone gets out the door with everything they need and on time. Don't forget about bed times -  try to get back to a reasonable bed time routine so that your kids are getting enough sleep. Also think about your homework routine - will they do homework straight away when they get home to get it out of the way? Or will they need to play and burn off some energy before they sit down to do it?

Go Shopping!

Consider getting your child a new back pack, lunch box, drink bottle. Take them shopping and let them choose so they start to feel excited about going back to school. Make it a positive experience! It will make the first day that much easier if they are looking forward to starting the new school year.

Label EVERYTHING! 

You have no idea how many hats, jumpers and drink bottles go missing during the school year (let along during swimming week eek!). Back ups are a good idea too otherwise your child might be missing out on play time if they don't have their hat. Majority of schools have a "no hat no play" policy if the UV rating is 3 or above. 

Get Your Bake On

Do some baking together in this last week of holidays. Get some school lunchbox treats made and pop them in the freezer. Once again if your kids are involved with these back to school preparations, it will help to ensure are more positive start to the year. 

Communicate

Establish a good line of communication with the teacher. I cannot tell you how important this is. Whether email, dairy notes, phone calls or in person works best for the both of you - find out and keep your child's teacher well informed of what's going on. Ask questions, check in, and we'll do our best. Yes we are busy (before school is an especially busy time), but we are also approachable. Don't be afraid to come up and say "Could I have a quick chat when you're free?". 

Don't Cry on the First Day!

As emotional as you may be on the first day - try to stay positive, keep a smile on and save the tears for the car. If your child sees you cry it will probably set them off. Try not to drag out your goodbye for too long - and please please please once you leave the room, don't come back in otherwise you'll have to do the separation all over again. If your child is teary, trust us, we know what we're doing and have seen it all before. 

One final thing - if you want to ease your child back into 'school mode' gently - have a look through my keeping up with the kids learning in the holidays post for some ideas!

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And now for the blog hop!

Here are all the other links for you to check out...

Teachers Please Don't! - Your Kids OT

16 Things the School Holidays Have Taught Me - Eenie Meenie Miney Mum

The Most Important Skills Your Child Needs for School - The Happy Me Shop

10 Simple Ways to Make Lunch Time More Fun - Kidgredients

Maintaining a Play Filled Routine Throughout the School Term - Kids Play Space

5 Must Have Items for Starting Day Care - My Bored Toddler

Handling Crunch and Sip with Fussy Eaters - Play With Food

101 Sandwich Filling Ideas for Kids - Create Make Bake

How to Share Your Child's Special Needs With Their New Teacher - My Home Truths

Advice for First Time School Mums - The Multitasking Woman

Best of luck for back to school time! Whether you're a brand newie or a seasoned professional school mum. I can't wait to meet the Year 2s on my first day!!

Lauren xx