First, start transitioning back into your child’s school year bedtime. It is very important that your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep, because school days equate to early mornings. About 3-4 weeks before my kids start back to school, I gradually push back their bedtime until we are at their school year bedtime. Good students are rested!

Another topic we start thinking about as parents are the school supplies that need to be purchased. There are certain items that should be purchased after talking to your child’s teacher. When purchasing items like: pencil boxes, markers, pencil sharpeners, binders and notebooks you should consult the teacher so your child has the appropriate supplies. Many times supplies purchased are inappropriate or unnecessary. Usually pencils, erasers, crayons, glue, and lunch boxes can be purchased before school starts. Backpacks can be tricky, so check to see how much space your child has for personal belongings before purchasing a new one.

About this time of the year you might ask yourself, “How much has my child remembered from last year?” Don’t fret, just pull out the math flashcards and workbooks. Take 10 minutes a few times each week, over the next few weeks to review math facts and skills from last school year. You will be surprised how fast those skills return. Also, Google or refer back to the Omaha Mom to Mom archives (in the left column) for some websites. There are many sites where kids can practice math and reading skills. My favorite, depending on your child’s age, is reading to your child or have them read a book, magazine or newspaper.

One of the biggest concerns parents can usually have about their children are the school jitters. First, make sure you attend Back to School Night. Meeting the teacher before school starts is huge for both the parents and student. Your child will see their classroom and classmates. Pull out the yearbook and talk about their memories from last year. Also, talking to older siblings, neighbors and other children may help your child feel a sense of security those first few days of the new school year. Setting play dates with classmates will help build relationships and build confidence with heading back to school.

The start of the school year can be stressful for the entire family but preparing ahead of time and having a positive attitude can make things a little easier. Good luck and enjoy the preparation with your children. They grow up fast!

Picture Book Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type By Doreen Cronin Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type and all day long he hears, Click, Clack, Moo. Farmer Brown’s problems really begin when his cows start leaving him notes.	Grades 2-3 Ralph S. Mouse By Beverly Cleary When Ralph and his pesky cousins accidentally make a mess at the Mountain View Inn, Ralph decides that he’d better take his motorcycle and leave. He persuades his young pal Ryan to take him to school, where Ralph is an instant hit with Ryan’s classmates. But Ralph doesn’t like being told what to do. Worse than that, his precious motorcycle gets broken. Is Ralph stuck at school forever?
Grades 4-6 The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall When the four Penderwick sisters find themselves staying on a beautiful estate called Arundel for their summer holidays, they can’t wait to explore the wonderful, sprawling grounds. And even more wonderful is Jeffrey, son of Arundel’s owner-the perfect companion for their summer adventures. But Jeffrey’s mother is less than thrilled with the Penderwick sisters and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will. Won’t they?	Teens Witch Child By Celia Rees Enter the world of Mary Newbury, where being different can cost a person her life. Hidden until now in the pages of her secret diary, fourteen-year-old Mary’s story begins as she flees the English witch-hunts to settle in an American colony. How long can she hide her true nature from the Puritans? How long can she keep running?
Parent Resource nationalgeographic.com This website has many resources for parents and children. There are family friendly activities, beautiful photos and information about animals from around the world. Parents can read about online safety tips and together play with the map machine. This is a great site for school projects. Definitely a website that should be added to your favorites list!	Mom To Mom Teachers Thoughts