I have to admit, I have always loved Back to School time. Even when I was in the throes of high school (the time when most kids start to loathe going to school), I looked forward to every aspect of going back: clothes, sports, new teachers, friends, and new topics. The only exception was homework... And one particularly frightening chemistry teacher.
Below I've collected some great links to get you and your kids organized for Back to School.
Back to School Home Organization
Photo / The Container Store
If you had the time, it'd be ideal to organize everything in your home before school starts. Instead, let's focus on the activities that will get you the most bang for your buck.
- Clothes: An organized closet will make the whole getting-dressed-in-the-morning process run a lot more smoothly.
- Shoes: Having an organization and storage scheme in place ahead time means you are less likely to end up with piles all over your house in mid-September.
- Kitchen Cabinets & Kitchen Pantry: After school snacks and weeknight dinners will be quicker to throw together when you know where everything in your kitchen is stored and what food you have on hand.
Even Better? Follow the Weekly Organizing Routine.
Back to School Lunches & Snacks
Photo / Pyrex
I vividly remember the anticipation in the halls of Duffy Elementary School on French Bread Pizzas days. I always bought lunch on those days, and I think the majority of my classmastes did, too.
Typically my Mom packed us lunch or my brother and I packed our own. Homemade lunches really are optimal for kid's health even though it may be faster to buy a school lunch. Here are a few resources to make preparing lunches a bit easier.
Resources
- Good Foods for Better Learning
- Back to School Lunch Box Goodies
- Back-To-School Breakfast Recipes and Ideas
Back to School Supplies
Photo / The Container Store
Shopping for back to school supplies is a must-do this time of year:
- Look for a note from the school with a list of supplies your child will need.
- Next, take stock of which supplies your child did and didn't use last year. Example: If they used pencils but no pens, buy more pencils.
- Create a shopping list before you go with flexibility for 1 impulse purchase chosen by your child. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about sticking to a plan and making choices.
Resources
Back to School Fashion
Photo / Domino Magazine
To me, back to school clothes always signaled fall clothes. In my ultra-preppy Connecticut town that meant corduroys, a shetland sweater and a jean jacket, and I would insist on wearing these the first day of school, even if the temperatures were well into the 80's or 90's. Here are some resources to get your kids into more appropriate back-to-school attire.
Resources
Back to School Productively
Photo / Martha Stewart
Going back to school isn't just a major shift in a child's life, it affects the entire family. Think about the changes in your schedule, and the need for better time management around the house that result from having to be at school on time with homework in hand every day.
Resources
Back to School Study Skills
Photo / Simplicity Works
People learn in varying styles, but strong study habits are essential whether you learn visually, by listening, or with a more hands-on approach. Get your kids ready to hit the books by helping them focus on forming good habits -- most notably reading comprehension and note taking which will serve them well across a variety of subjects.
Resources
Back to School for Pets
Photo / Getty Images
Let's not forget about our furry friends. It may be very jarring for pets who have been surrounded by your family all summer to suddenly be left in a quiet house.
Resources
Back to School at Every Age
Photo / Pottery Barn
Different ages and grades mean different types of back to school preparation. A new college freshman may have a lot of anxiety about moving away from home and into a dorm full of strangers, while a pre-schooer will be blissfully unaware of what they are about to embark on. Here are resources for students of every age.
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Back to School Fun & Games
Crafty
Are your kids wary of hitting the bus and books? Here are some “school fun” projects to remind them of the positive aspects of learning.
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