August 10 , 2023 The Beacon • 27
Teachers offer advice for getting ready for back to school
By Jen Jones
Every August families start thinking about going back to school and wonder how they can help their children get back into the school routine as easy as possible . Several local teachers have shared what they have learned over their years of teaching . For many of them , getting students back into a bedtime and morning routine is the most important thing parents can do to help their children transition back to school .
Britanie Powers is a first-grade teacher at River View Elementary . “ One of the best things that parents can do to get their child ready is getting them back into their routines as far as bedtime and morning routines . The other thing I would recommend is for parents to write their children small notes to put in their lunch boxes . It really helps their student get through the transition of being away from home . Also , share the excitement of returning to school with your child . Children often experience similar feelings as what their parent has .”
Ben McCormick has been a teacher for 21 years and teaches preschool at Hopewell School . He said , “ Fred Rogers once said , ‘ When children know ahead of time what ’ s going to happen — and not happen — they can
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prepare themselves for what ’ s coming . They can think about it and get used to their feelings about it .’ Talk to your child about what school will look like in simple terms .”
McCormick encourages parents to talk about the teacher ’ s name , their morning routine , what they will need in their backpack and what they will eat for lunch . “ Consistent routines provide comfort and a sense of safety to children . Following a schedule each day makes children feel safer and happier , which often leads to better cooperation between children and parents . When children know what to expect and what ’ s expected of them , kids feel more comfortable and confident about going back to school .”
He also wants parents to remember it takes a few weeks for children to adjust to a new school year . “ Those after-school tantrums are normal and don ’ t mean they are having a terrible time at school . Kids often hold in their emotions during the day . Those emotions come spilling out in the safety of home . Create a predictable after-school routine including a snack and some downtime . When your child does have a meltdown , stay close and stay calm . Then you can help your child work through their emotions .”
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Wendy Croy is starting her 24th year of teaching . She is an intervention specialist for fourth and fifth grade with the Ridgewood School District . Her advice is to get them back into a routine early and brush up on the skills they have learned . “ Read some books . Practice some math facts .”
Ridgewood music teacher Shannon Folkert is starting her 22nd year of teaching . She also encourages parents to get their children back into a bedtime routine early in August and for children to try to get eight or nine hours of sleep .
“ Parents can also be encouraging and positive about the school year . New teachers , a new class and sometimes even a new school can be intimidating to anyone . Parents can stay positive ,” Folkert said . “ And remember our
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attitudes , words and feelings toward school will always be reflected in our kids .
“ Go to your school ’ s open house . This is the perfect opportunity to meet your child ’ s teacher , get your child and you acquainted with the layout of the school and classroom , and get any information needed to start the school year . Parents should avoid negative talk about school or any negative experiences that may have happened in previous school years . It always takes a week or two to get back into the groove . Show yourself grace and kindness and be gentle on everyone .”
She also encourages families to talk to their child ’ s teachers and administrators . “ When everyone works together for the purpose of educating our kids , everyone
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wins ,” Folkert said .
Angie Smoulder has been teaching for 20 years and is the English 12 teacher at the Coshocton County Career Center .
“ To the parents of seniors , I think it ’ s especially important to maintain open communication with your child from the start . Show interest in school and encourage them to tell you about their priorities for the year . Teens with clear goals for the future are more likely to have a positive attitude toward their school life and remain motivated even when things get challenging ,” Smoulder said . “ Seniors often have the hardest time with self-advocacy . Students who learn to ask questions , seek out guidance and tell others what they want or need will have a better year and be more prepared to succeed in all
aspects of life .”
Smoulder also shared two things parents should try not to do . “ Avoid comparing your senior ( or student ) to others . Everyone has their own path . Do not take their moodiness personally . At times seniors will be uncertain , stressed and overwhelmed . Be patient , be supportive and love them as fiercely now as you ever have . They need to know they still have you in their corner .”
Tracy Jones is starting her 29th year of teaching . For many years she taught first grade , but now she provides intervention and remediation services to first-graders who struggle with beginning reading skills .
“ I think the best thing parents can do to prepare for a new school year is to stay positive about the
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