Essential Back-to-School Checklist for Parents with Elementary Kids

Back to school is a memorable time for children. They are most excited to meet new friends, rejoin the old friends and ready tow elcome new experiences at school. Schools reopening time is also a crucial time for parents as tehy get ready with the essential back-to-school checklist to make sure their children experience a smooth academic year ahead. In this article, we list what are the essential items for elementary kids for getting back to school. We hope it helps. Go ahead and get the full checklist.

Four Weeks Before School Starts

Take Inventory of Clothes

Gather your children and set the time for one hour. Then get down and work through what still fits and what things need replacing for each of the kids.

Make a list of clothing items and choose what would go best in summers.

You can also involve kids in back to school checklist for parents while choosing their type of clothes.

Download School Supply List

Get the official school list for the supplies. It is very likely that you will get them on school’s website but if not arrange it from administration.

That way while creating back to school checklist for elementary parents you will not get messed up in last minute rush.

Share the list with your child and have them pitch in for some of the fun little supplies.

Add Important Dates to Your Calendar

Then go for marking dates in the school calendar for parents’ teacher meets, holidays etc.

You will be much more organized in this way and will not forget important dates.

Involve your child while marking these dates as it will help him creating to do lists and reminders in future.

Research Afterschool Care Options

Now if you are working professional, you might need an afterschool daycare.

Start asking around daycare centers in the area, community programs, or even private nannies.

Then while making a list of back to school checklist for parent students ensure that you have selected the best daycare according to your schedule.

Three Weeks Before School Starts

Get Immunizations and Physicals

Check with your child’s health care provider to ensure that needed immunizations are up to date.

Schedule any needed physical exams to fulfill school health requirements.

Keep a file with medical records pertaining to your child in the list of back to school checklist for parent students.

Take Inventory of School Supplies

You can use the items from the last year and whatever is usable cross them off from the list.

This helps to identify what needs to be purchased, thereby saving money and time.

Prepare Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Inspect your child’s backpack and lunch for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.

Label the backpack and lunch box with your child’s name to avoid mix up in school.

Finalize Afterschool Arrangements

If you did opt for a caregiver then finish any paperwork required, ensuring that all emergency contacts are correct.

Take time to review the new routine with your child and discuss any concerns he or she may have.

Two Weeks Before School Starts

Discuss Extracurricular Activities

Next thing in back to school checklist for parents is asking your child what kinds of activities he is interested in the coming year.

Also, help them discover the balance between academics and extracurricular activities in order to avoid over burdening.

Enjoy Family Time

You can take your child for a relaxation time before starting of their new journey at school.

It could be a journey to the pool, a picnic in the park, or a movie night with popcorn and treats.

Adjust Bedtime Routine

You should then make your child habitual of the sleep timings that align with the school’s schedule.

Set a consistent bedtime routine such as reading, taking a bath, and doing relaxation exercises.

Ensure that your child is getting the recommended hours of sleep for their age which supports their learning and overall development.

Teach Children abot the Hygeine Basics

Remind kids the necessity to maintain hygiene in school. Explain them how to wash hands thoroughly, avoid sharing handkerchiefs and tissues.

Teaching hygeine is an import measure to ensure their health and avoid school-borne illnesses.

Begin School Supply Shopping

Try to divide the shopping of school supplies into the mandatory ones, such as books, notebooks, etc.

Then go for the personal ones, such as clothes and fun school supplies.

For these supplies let your child choose their colors, designs, and patterns in everything.

One Week Before School Starts

Establish the Bedtime

By the time of following back to school checklist for elementary parents your child would be adapted to the sleeping hours as required.

Ensure full sleeping and waking at good times to prepare for restfulness and readiness to learn.

Review Expectations and Emergency Plans

Have a sit-down meeting with your child to share their expectations for the coming school year.

Make positive reinforcement such as doing homework, being nice to fellow classmates, and asking for help when needed.

Make emergency plans by reviewing them, and let your child know what to do when something unexpected happens.

Attend Open House

Almost every school organizes an open house, or “meet the teacher” occasion, before the first day of school.

Attend this event with your child so that he or she gets acquainted with the new classroom, teacher, and overall environment.

Also, take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the teacher and clear out any questions or concerns at heart.

Label and Organize

Label all your child’s belongings, that is, backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, and all kinds of school supplies.

Thus, all your child’s belongings will be retained in case you lose them or they are mixed up with other students’ belongings.

Organize your child’s backpack and school supplies to have them ready for the start of the first day of school.

First Week of School

Provide a Nourishing Breakfast

You should prepare your child for having a balanced diet from very start. This will help him to be more productive in the class.

Serve very nutrient-dense meals. A combination of protein, carbohydrates, and mixes of fruits and vegetables to power start their learning.

This breakfast does create a lifetime experience with the start of the school year.

Reinforce Emergency Plans

Explain the emergency plan you have been discussing since last week to bring the memory of action when something happens.

Remind them of the most important contacts. Kids should have both of their parents number and the school’s phone number during emergencies.

Update Emergency Contact Information

Also, make sure that the school has your latest updated information for contact numbers, emails, and emergency contacts.

Give the school a copy of your child’s medical history and any medication or allergy information if needed.

Complete Parent Homework

Go through the form and paperwork that come home in the first week of school.

To save time, fill out information that is the same for all your children. Then copy it and complete the information specific to the child.

Create a folder or binder dedicated to these important charts.

Treat Yourself

After this initial week of successful school opening, take a moment to celebrate yourself.

Enjoy a special treat, plan a relaxing evening, or take a deep breath and enjoy the success.

Self-care will keep you energized and full of patience throughout the school year to cater to your child.