| By :
Stephen Daniels
At the end of three months full of ice cream trucks, lots of free time, video games and summer camps, it can be hard for kids to get ready for school again. After enjoying a greater sense of independence, the rigid structure of the academic year can come as an unwelcome shock if parents don't help ease the transition back to fall. Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques for bridging the gap from camp to class and for ensuring that the next school year starts off right. During the summer, many children get used to staying up late and sleeping in. It's a good idea to begin transitioning them to their normal bedtime at least a couple weeks before the first day of school. Starting the process this early means that parents can adjust bedtime and wake-up time gradually. If they have spent much of the summer at a camp, this can be easier as the jam-packed schedules at the facilities often include an early wake-up call. It's also a good idea to get back to eating at regular times and making healthy choices at the table. Starting the day off with a good breakfast is one of the easiest ways to improve academic performance. Homework may be the toughest part of being a kid, but preparing them for the hard work early can help set them up for a successful year. It's not unusual for students to be given summer reading or worksheet packets to complete before the return in the fall. Setting aside some time each day, or several days a week, to work on these can help them get back into the academic habit. Even if a child has no assignments to complete, parents can help them review the previous year's content and choose a couple of books to read. Regular visits to the library and museums, if there are some nearby, can also help reignite an interest in learning. Many children are involved in numerous after-school activities, and even if they don't officially start until fall, there are ways to ease back into jam-packed schedules. It's important for families to make time for some family physical activities together as well as mental stimulation. Why not go on bike rides, pass a ball around, or practice skills kids will need to succeed at their sport? Young musicians can set aside thirty minutes each day to play their instrument and artists can revisit techniques they learned last year. Kids who have spent part of the break at an overnight summer camp can also share their new knowledge and skills with other members of the family. Perhaps a new hobby or interest has emerged after a child's time at camp; parents can easily help their son or daughter find ways to keep them involved in these activities through their school. It's a great idea to involve the whole family during this transition. Making back-to-school shopping into a fun family event helps kids keep a positive attitude about the coming change. By gradually getting students ready for fall early, parents can make the new school year something exciting to look forward to.
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