You read the title correctly! It’s time to begin preparing for back to school. I know some of our families are only a few weeks into summer. If that’s the case, you still have time. However, for those that have been on summer break since May, it’s definitely time. Below are some areas to consider for preparation this month, so you are ready for the first day of school! The goal of early preparation is the ‘pace yourself’ mindset! So, here goes:
1.Appointments. July is the time to set appointments necessary for school readiness. First, schedule the well child visit. Don’t forget the athletic physical form for sports. Second, a medication review. This review should be geared towards preparing for the school year. Don’t forget any ‘PRN’ (as needed) medication prescriptions. Third, a therapy appointment for your 504 or IEP plan accommodations that are supported by your child’s therapist. Don’t forget to go ahead and begin the change in appointment time that will begin the first week of school.
2.Schedule Adjustments. It’s best to use July to begin changing your trauma affected child’s schedule to mimic his/her school schedule. Specifically, breakfast time, lunch time, and recess. If they eat breakfast at school, then try to transition breakfast time to be approximately the same time. Next, transition lunch time to their class’s or grade’s lunch time. Last, do the same for recess. Adjust your child’s outside playtime to their recess time at school. Their bodies will begin adjusting now for the first day of school. So much changes that first week. Why not support their body’s adjustment to these key parts of their day now, so less changes that first week?!?! Change is hard for trauma affected brains. No need to announce the change. Just do it, slow and steady, without any fanfare, one thing at a time.
3.Supplies. Start collecting the harder to find supplies that you are requesting as accommodations for your child. Some examples: weighted lap pads, wobble chair, wobble cushion, weighted vest, lanyard, etc. Be sure to check with your school counselor before you order, to make sure that your desired items are allowed. They may also provide some items. They also may prefer specific brands or types. Starting to order as soon as you have approval, will ease the August budget AND prevent out of stock delays. Feel free to begin practice using these items at home. Again, the least amount of changes that happen the first week of school, is easier on trauma affected brains and behaviors.
4.Visits. Visit your child’s school this month. Even if it’s only parking and accessing the playground, that’s okay! If you can, gain permission to access the inside for a few 5 minute tours. Areas to include in their tour: which entry way they will access each day, the hallway their classroom will be on, the nurses station, the cafeteria, the counselor’s office, and the playground. Remember you are simply showing them and making brief statements like “2nd grade classrooms are close to here” or “lunch room”. You don’t have to know exactly which classroom, nor indicate which are their grade’s classroom. Be general. The purpose of this exposure is to allow them to see, smell, and create memory to locations of key places.
These four to do list items are ways you can help your trauma affected child begin adjusting to the new school year. Getting appointments done this month, means next month will be less chaotic, and you’ll be prepared with items the school will request from you. You’ll have the harder to find supplies already at home, and your child will have time to practice using them. You’ll have already adjusted your child to their new areas and key parts of their new daily school schedule. You’ve got this!
