As summer draws to a close, preparing your child for a successful return to school involves more than just buying new supplies. There can be a lot of changes in routines, and contribute to an overwhelming experience for many children and families. Preparing for these changes in advance can help ease the transition, and set you and your family up for success.

Here are some essential tips and resources to ensure a smooth transition back to school:

1. Schedule Eye Exams: Guaranteeing Clear Vision for a Successful School Year

Before school starts, make sure to schedule a free eye exam for your child, covered under OHIP in Ontario. This step is crucial for setting your child up for success and addressing any potential obstacles that could hinder their learning. Many children may not realize they have vision problems because it's how they've always seen the world. By getting an eye exam, you can ensure your child's vision is where it needs to be or provide them with glasses if needed, helping them see clearly and focus on their studies and engage confidently in social interactions.

For families needing assistance with purchasing glasses, programs like the Ontario Association of Optometrists' Eye See... Eye Learn, provide free glasses to junior or senior kindergarten students. You can learn more about the program by viewing their flyer, here.

Many caregivers may not realize that it's recommended for children to have their eyes examined at 6 months, again at 2-3 years old, and then annually until they turn 20. Regular eye exams help ensure that your child has optimal vision, providing them with a clear advantage in the classroom and supporting their overall learning experience.

2. Gradual Transition to School Routines: Sleep & Mealtime Schedules

Summer is often a more relaxed time for families, filled with fun activities and quality time with family and friends. However, transitioning back to regular schedules with earlier wake-up times and longer days can be challenging for both adults and children.

To ease this adjustment and ensure everyone is ready by the first day of school, start implementing a gradual transition a couple of weeks beforehand. Begin by slowly adjusting bedtime and morning wake-up times, moving them earlier each week.

The same gradual adjustment should be applied to mealtimes, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks. During the school year, students are required to eat at set times, which can be difficult if they haven’t maintained a regular eating schedule over the summer. Irregular meal times can lead to hunger and discomfort, distracting them from learning. By helping your child adjust to consistent meal and snack times before school starts, you can make them feel more comfortable and better prepared for the school day. Regular mealtimes will help them adapt smoothly to the school routine, minimizing stress and making the transition easier.

3. Prepare for the School Year with a Thoughtful Shopping List

Must-Haves: Start with the essentials to ensure your child is ready for school. This includes a durable backpack for carrying books and supplies, a lunch box to keep their meals fresh, and basic stationery such as pencils, notebooks, and erasers. These items are fundamental for daily school activities and should be chosen for both their practicality and durability.

Nice-to-Haves: Consider additional items that can enhance your child’s school experience. New outfits may be necessary as children grow and as seasons change, so updating their wardrobe with comfortable, school-appropriate clothing is beneficial. Organizational tools like binders, planners, or a water bottle can also help keep them organized and hydrated throughout the school day.

Reuse: Review the items your child already has from the previous school year to see what can be repurposed. For example, check if their backpack just needs a wash, if their pencil case can be cleaned, or if older siblings’ calculators are still functional. Reusing these items helps reduce costs and minimizes environmental impact.

Inventory and Prioritize: Conduct an inventory of your current supplies and prioritize your spending based on what is truly needed. Identify which items from last year are still in good condition and can be used again. This approach allows you to allocate your budget to items that may be more pressing, such as new clothing for changing sizes or investing in tutoring services to support their academic needs.

Important Scheduling Considerations:

Schedule Eye and Dental Check-Ups: Before school begins, schedule an eye exam for your child covered under OHIP in Ontario to ensure their vision is clear and ready for learning. Additionally, book a dental check-up to address any oral health issues. Both these appointments are crucial for your child’s overall well-being and can prevent potential distractions in the classroom.

Sign Up for Tutoring: Consider enrolling your child in tutoring to support their academic growth and boost their confidence. Personalized tutoring can address specific learning needs and help your child start the school year strong. Reach out to Merrill Mentors for tailored tutoring options that fit your child’s needs.

By implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources, you can help your child transition smoothly back to school, setting them up for a successful and rewarding academic year. Together, let's make this back-to-school season a positive and empowering experience for your family.

Click here for our detailed back-to-school shopping list and checklist to help you get organized and ensure your child is fully prepared for the upcoming school year.

Student studying on laptop, at a clear and well lit table.

4. Creating a Study Space at Home

Set up a dedicated homework area at home to create a space facilitating concentration and productivity:

Prepare the Space: Clear out clutter and create a quiet area with good lighting.
Essential Supplies: Include a sturdy desk or table, a homework caddy with pens, pencils, and notebooks, and a comfortable chair.
Refresh Materials: Revitalize your child's study space by updating any supplies that are worn out or no longer functional. Add a fresh stack of paper, check and replenish printer ink levels, and consider incorporating a touch of inspiration. Personalize the space with a motivational quote or a picture that resonates with your child’s current interests or goals. This small addition can boost their motivation and help them stay organized as they embark on the new school year.

5. Help Your Child Regain Academic Momentum with These Tips:

Reading Skills: Reinforce daily reading habits by setting aside dedicated time for reading each day. Visit your local library together to explore a variety of books and find new titles that capture your child's interest. Encourage them to read aloud, discuss the stories, and share their thoughts to deepen their comprehension and enjoyment. Creating a cozy reading nook at home can also make reading a more inviting and enjoyable activity.
Math Skills: Strengthen math skills by incorporating fun and interactive activities into your routine. Practice basic arithmetic through games and puzzles that challenge their problem-solving abilities. Use educational apps designed for math practice to make learning engaging and effective. You can also integrate math into everyday activities, like cooking or shopping, to help them see the practical applications of math in real life.

Family hands reaching over a laptop, pointing at screen.

6. Book Online Tutoring for Academic Support

Consider signing up for online tutoring to give your child a head start before school begins. Online tutoring platforms provide personalized sessions that can address specific areas of need in subjects like math and reading. By starting tutoring before school starts, your child can refresh their skills, build confidence, and ease into the academic demands of the new school year.

Early tutoring can help identify and address any learning gaps before they become bigger challenges. It provides your child with the opportunity to develop a solid understanding of key concepts and skills, which can boost their confidence and performance when school resumes. Additionally, beginning tutoring before the school year starts allows your child to acclimate to a structured learning schedule, making the transition to regular classes smoother and less stressful.

By scheduling tutoring at the start of the school year, you ensure that your child is well-prepared and supported from the beginning. This proactive approach helps them stay on top of their academic goals and adapt to the new curriculum with greater ease. It’s a valuable investment in their educational success and can set a positive tone for the rest of the school year.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to explore how online tutoring can benefit your child with us here.

Student wearing back pack while holding school books in hand.

By getting on top of routines, booking important check-ups, and shoppinng thoughfully, you can sset the tonne for a successful start to the neww school year. It will make a difference for both child and ccare givers in aadjusting back to the new ss

Back to School: A Parent's Guide to a Smooth Transition

Keeping Minds Sharp: Summer Learning Resources to Prevent Learning Loss