As the summer holidays wind down and a new school term approaches, parents across Newcastle are gearing up for the annual back-to-school routine.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or sending your little one off for the first time, we gathered some hot tips from a local teacher and parents from our community to help you have a smooth transition into the new term.
Teacher tips:
1.Ask your child to practice packing and unpacking their school bag.
They need to get familiar with their lunchbox, water bottle and hat and how it all fits inside. Don’t forget to pack some spare undies and socks – accidents happen to the best of us.
2. Can they recognise their name? Can they read and understand their name when other names and/or words are written or printed around their name? If they can’t, that’s okay, but start to help them around the house doing this with post it notes or printed labels so they can start to recognise it.
3. Talk to them positively about school and what might be exciting about the new school year to calm any fears. Discuss the fun they will have playing sport, visiting the library, at play time, learning new things, making new friends or spending time with old mates again.
4. I wouldn’t worry about buying special pencil cases, pencils, glues etc. unless the school has specifically sent out a resource list. There is time once they have settled in.
5. Make sure everything has your child’s name on it. Even their shoes! You could even get your child to help you put their name on items so they know where to look for their name when they are looking for their belongings at school.
Parent tips:
1. I start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times a week before school begins to help my kids’ body clock adapt. It makes the early school mornings less stressful for everyone!” – Lara.
2. “We always put their uniforms out the night before which is a great help.” – Melissa.
3. “We’d always do a pre-school term shop for lunchbox items. My daughter’s favourites were always changing. The minute I stocked up on something she didn’t like it anymore!” – Lucy.
4. “Don’t forget to book in a haircut and always leave shoes to the last minute for growing feet.” – Lauren.
5. “I order new name stickers for each child to help me feel organised and I put everyone’s name on everything so each water bottle or lunchbox is a communal shared family item. Total game changer!” – Zoe.
With these 10 tips, we hope parents can help their kids step into the new school term feeling confident and ready. Good luck!
More stories:
-An expert shares 5 tips for kids starting Kindergarten in 2025
-End of school holiday ideas for busy parents
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