Back to School Tips for a Great Year!

It’s that time of year again! Back to school commercials are becoming more frequent, those school supplies signs are back up, and hanging in Target, and the kids seem to be more bored than usual. Parents rejoice it’s back to school time!

One of the most important tips on how to have a successful back to school from summer transition is to teach your child elements of the Montessori educational philosophy before they get to school.

Independence is one of the most important aspects of a Montessori education. Providing students with the resources to be successful instead of giving them the right answer or the solution is what Montessori education is about. We encourage hands-on activities, so any way you could implement similar activities during household chores, for example, would be a great way to supplement what is being learned in the classroom at home as well.

Another tip is to start with an earlier bedtime to get in that back to school mode. Kids are often tired and not used to the school routine during the first few weeks. Getting them to bed early and up in the morning earlier supplemented with a healthy breakfast will ensure that their minds are ready to learn in the morning.

Try to impress upon the child that this experience will be fun and it is not a huge deal. This will decrease their anxiety and increase their enjoyment of this new experience! to help the child feel more comfortable with the transition you can pick out your child's first day outfit, get school supplies together, drive by the school to show them around, and show them pictures of their teachers from the website. Meeting other parents in your child’s class is another way you can help make this school year successful. Schedule a group play date before school starts to help your child make new friends before they are back in the classroom.

By following these tips you can ensure that your child will begin their Montessori Education with the right mindset that will lead to further success down the road. From all of us at Loudoun Montessori, we can’t wait to see your child in the classroom and help build their future!