Support Learning at Home

Tips for Calming Start of School Jitters

SACRAMENTO - The back-to-school season is an exciting time, but it can also cause anxiety for some children - and parents too!  Preparing in advance can help your child feel more confident and have a more positive school experience. Here are six tips from California State PTA for helping to calm jitters during the start of school.

1. Re-assure your child. Anxieties and concerns are normal. Many children will experience these feelings at the start of the school year. Encourage your child to talk openly with you and with teachers about concerns or worries they may have.
2. Point out the positives. Starting a new school year can be fun. Your child will see old friends and/or meet new ones. The first week of school offers a chance to learn about new things and pursue interests. Reinforce with your child the power of learning.
3. Prepare ahead. Have your child pick out the clothes he or she plans on wearing to school the next day. This will save time and stress in the morning. Encourage everyone in the house to go to bed early and get up 15 to 30 minutes early so they're not rushing around in the morning. Allow enough time for a good breakfast, and make arrangements for your child's lunch. During the first week of school, find out what additional materials your child may need (pencils, folders, etc.) and make arrangements to provide those. Remember: local nonprofit groups and PTAs often can help with some of these supplies,if needed.
4. Encourage safe traveling to and from school. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk or bike to school, or ride with on the bus. Briefly review some basics of safe walking and biking. If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk) to school and pick him or her up on the first day.
5. Plan for special needs. If your child requires medication, treatment or has special needs, talk to the school administrative staff, then talk to your child about how those needs will be handled at school (what time to go to the office for medication or what foods in the cafeteria to avoid, etc.).
6. Prepare for emergency situations. What should your child do if you are late picking them up, or if no one is home when they arrive home? What should your child do if he or she feels picked on while at recess? Talking in advance with your child and having a plan will help minimize panic and stress.

For more back-to-school tips for parents and information on the importance of family engagement, contact your local PTA or visit www.capta.org. PTA connects families and schools, and can help kids and parents feel welcomed at school throughout the year.

About California State PTA

The California State PTA connects families and schools, and has nearly 900,000 members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer association working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial. For more information: www.capta.org.

SACRAMENTO - Millions of children throughout California head back to school this month.  Getting a new school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitudes, confidence and performance both socially and academically. Parents are their children's first teachers and are key to creating a home environment that helps a child succeed. As families prepare for the first day of school, California State PTA offers ten ways that parents can support learning at home.

1. Have a special place where children can do their homework, setting a "regular time and place" for homework.
2. Keep books, magazines and newspapers available in your home.
3. Have simple art supplies on hand to spark creativity - paints, markers, clay, ribbons, colored paper, musical instruments, etc.
4. Read to your children and/or read with them every day.
5. Limit TV, computer and video games. Assign specific times for TV watching as family entertainment and help your child select the right programs and movies.
6. Take your child to the library. Encourage your child to use the dictionary and the internet to find the meaning of words and resource information.
7. Ask questions about school activities. Ask "what are three new things you learned today?" rather than "how was school?" Engage in educational conversation by turning ordinary time together into "teachable moments."
8. Be flexible and avoid making homework stressful by finding positive ways to modify behavior.
9. Encourage and praise your children; celebrate their successes!
10. Join your local PTA. PTA connects families and schools, and joining PTA is a great way to become actively involved in your child’s education.  PTAs provide a range of programs and services for children and families, and is at the table when critical decisions are being made at your child's school.

*Source: California State PTA School Smarts Parent Engagement Program

For more back-to-school tips for parents and information on the importance of family engagement, visit www.capta.org.

About California State PTA

The California State PTA connects families and schools, and has nearly 900,000 members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer association working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial. For more information: www.capta.org.