Back to School: Letting our Kids Take Charge

Much like all of you, as a mom and a professional life is busy. Summer has been a time to enjoy family, friends, and some much needed relaxation.  Really a time to connect and disconnect all at once!  I have been blessed this summer to do the things I love the most - spend time with my husband and children, exercise, enjoy delicious meals and of course the beautiful weather.

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Far too quickly, the school year is upon us.  I hear my children repeating to me, "Mommy, the summer has gone by way too fast."  Although I feel the same sadness about the end of the summer and trepidation about the coming school year, I also know that I want them to feel excited to start a new school year.

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So I thought to myself last week - what can I do to help them ease into the school year and feel more ready to begin?  As I looked at my five children's school supply lists, I decided that this year's prepartions would be different.  Unlike past years, this year I will not check off each item on the lists myself.  I will not label each marker, glue stick, crayon, and folder  My five children ranging in age from 11 to 4 would participate in preparing their own supplies.

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And the thus our home school supply store came to be!  I gave each child their list and two shopping bags.  My older daughter was given the task of making a mini supply store on our dining room table.  She categorized the items and once she was ready the other kids went shopping!  They collected items according to description and quantity on their lists and check off what they found.  If the item was not in the "store" then they circled it on the list.  

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I was amazed to watch how each child engaged in the task.  Max, my seven year old son read his list diligently and looked for the items he needed.  Adele who is entering grade one this year and could not read the list on her own asked her older sisters for help.  Each one took responsibility for their own list and they helped each other.  Discussions about school shifted from fear and worry to a little more excitement.

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As a mom I watched the process with pride and joy but as an educator working with students with specific learning disabilties and challenges I noted other benefits.  Children benefit from interacting with their own materials prior to the start of the school year. This simple activity helps children build essential executive function skills - organizational skills, planning, and time management.  We need to support our children in building these skills from a young age by engaging them in meaningful tasks.  They need to own the process and engage in it daily.  

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I will continue to share ideas throughout the school year and please share your ideas too!  What have you done to make the start of the school year easier?  How do you and your family transition into a new school year?  I want to learn from you!

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I wish you and your family a wonderful school year.

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With love,

Beth