Back to School Preparation 2024

Do you smell it? It’s the aroma of freshly sharpened pencils! And you know what that means…it’s BACK-TO-SCHOOL season! I don’t know about you, but the constant going in and out of the refrigerator has gotten old, and my grocery bill needs a break! 

Yeah, I know it can be a nerve-wracking for them to meet new teachers, go to new classes, and even make new friends, but I can’t help but do a little happy dance knowing that summer is over and we can finally get back to somewhat of a normal routine.

I’m a planner, so it’s important that I prepare ahead of time so everything goes smoothly the day school starts! 

If you aren’t a planner, though, things can be a little difficult. Thank goodness I’m here to help! 

Check out my back to school tips below to help support your kids as they start this new academic year! 

My Top Back to School Tips For 2024

Attend Back to School Night 

For my kids, meeting their teacher is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the new school year. 

Many kids, like mine, worry that they won’t like their teacher or simply get nervous about switching to a new classroom with a teacher they don’t know well. 

I tell them all the time that this is totally normal! Change is scary, but there is a way to prepare for it and feel comfortable!

We love Meet The Teacher Night or, as some may call it, Back To School Night. 

This usually helps my kids feel way more comfortable on the first day of school.

They already know where their classroom is, and it’s a perfect time for them to talk to their teacher and establish a line of communication early on.

Communicate With The Teacher Early On

Communication with teachers can go a long way. Trust me! Before school starts, maybe reach out to the teacher to introduce yourself and even share something special about your kid.

This lets them know who you are and that you are trying to establish a relationship/partnership with them for your child’s education.  

By the end of the first 9 weeks, my kid’s teachers know me and my husband by name (LOL). 

So, either teachers at back to school night or try emailing their teacher before school starts. 

Set a Routine

If your kids are anything like mine, they love their freedom in the summer. 

I let them stay up as late as they want and wake up as late as they want (as long as it doesn’t interfere with my gym time because IFKYK!) 

While it’s fine to let kids have more freedom in summer. I suggest setting a routine before school starts. 

We like to start a week or two ahead of time by starting bedtime and wake-up routines. 

Sleep is so important for kids, and their development, especially when they are going to school. 

In our house, we like to strive for the kids to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night. 

It’s a different story for me and my husband though (LOL). 

They will need to wake up earlier and be fully prepared for a day of learning and fun with their friends! 

I know first-hand that if you don’t set a routine early enough, getting them ready for school will be harder. 

Start by setting a bedtime routine. 

Go through what they will need to do before they sleep. 

This could include finishing up homework, getting clothes ready for the next day, brushing their teeth, and getting their pajamas on by a certain time. 

Then, go over what needs to happen when your kids wake up. 

Talk about what time they need to wake up, get dressed, eat, and have their backpack ready. 

Trust me, planning this ahead of time can make everything go a lot smoother in the morning. 

I suggest practicing their school routine a night or two before. 

Organize and Plan For Classes Ahead of Time

Another way you can prepare for school is by organizing with your kids. 

If I’m honest, I still struggle with this today, BUT staying organized is crucial if you want the new school year to go as smoothly as possible. 

I’ve learned that organization can be hard to pull off with kids, especially younger ones. 

Kids should know what they need to bring to school and where they should put their things when they get home. 

Yet, if your kids are anything like mine, they would lose their heads if they weren’t attached to their bodies (must be a trait they get from my husband LOL.) 

Anyway, this will make going to classes easier and make it less stressful to get them to and from school. 

So, before the semester starts, look over the class supply list. Get everything they need, so they feel fully ready to learn! 

You can also start by making a designated spot for school supplies and other things they need for classes. 

Show them where to put things back and how to keep things clean and tidy.

I also recommend making a study area for them to do homework. 

This can help keep them on track and encourage them to be more studious and organized!

Let Them Meet With School Friends 

Meeting with school friends (new or old) before the new semester starts is another great way to lessen nerves before going to a new classroom or school.  

If your kids see a friend they know before classes start up, this can help them feel more confident and comfortable because they know they will see a familiar face when they head off to the first day of school. 

We love setting up playdates right before school starts. 

Prepare and Talk About Expectations For The School Year

Finally, you want to sit down and have a talk with your kids before the school year starts. 

I know this isn’t fun to do. 

Many times, our kids (especially mine) don’t want to be told what to do. 

It’s important to set expectations and prepare your kids by talking about what needs to be done this year. 

In my house, I like to talk about the school schedule I’m planning for them, when homework should be done, how they should behave in class, and other important things I think should be talked about. 

I don’t have to overload my kids with too much information. 

I just let them know that I have a plan and am there for them and ready to help them if they are nervous or unsure about school! 

Final Thoughts on Back to School Preparation 

I’ve shared some of my best back to school tips to ensure that your kids are organized, happy, and ready to be productive for this upcoming school year. 

I know it’s not always easy figuring out the best ways to get kids prepared for a new year of school but hopefully, some of my suggestions helped! 

If you have any other ideas or want to share your back to school stories please comment below. I would love to hear from you! 

…as a last step, take care of yourself and have a much needed glass of wine! 

Trust me, you deserve it!