Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Summer may still be in full swing, but back-to-school season is slowly creeping up. Planning ahead now means you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble and really get to enjoy these final weeks of summer with your family – and way less stress. We’ve done the thinking for you and put this easy guide together to help you get started early so you can make the transition smoother for everyone! Spend a little time checking these items off your list now so you can relax and enjoy the end of the season with your little ones.
Meet the Teacher and Get to Know the School
Whether your child is starting at a new school or you’ve recently moved into a new neighbourhood, it’s important to help them feel confident and comfortable ahead of the first day. One of the best ways to ease anxiety and build excitement is by attending meet-the-teacher events or orientations and getting familiar with the school itself. Use this time to walk the halls, check out the classroom, find important spots like the office, washrooms and playground, and ask any questions you may have about the upcoming year. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce yourself and your child to the teacher and share any important notes about learning needs or concerns. If you’ve recently bought a home in a new area, exploring the school community is a great way to get connected and start feeling at home.
Update All Important Information
Before the first day arrives, make sure all your child’s information is up to date. Double-check that emergency contact numbers (including parents, other caregivers, or nearby family members/friends) are accurate and listed properly with the school. Review their immunization records to make sure they’re all up to date. This is also a great time to check if any important forms are due for extracurriculars, transportation, or school programs. Having everything completed early helps avoid last-minute surprises or delays once classes begin.
Get Organized for a Busy Fall
The early weeks of school tend to be a whirlwind! Between getting settled in, sports schedules, assignments and extracurriculars, it’s easy for things to pile up fast. Getting organized now can help you stay ahead of the chaos. Start by building out a family calendar that includes school holidays, PA days, extracurriculars, and any other key commitments. Try adding a colour-coded system or including the kids in decorating it so they feel involved and know what’s coming up. Creating a system now will make it so much easier to juggle everyone’s schedules as the school year picks up speed.
Plan for Extracurricular Activities
Extracurriculars are a huge part of your child’s school experience, giving them a chance to discover new interests, build friendships, and explore passions outside the classroom. From sports teams to art clubs and after-school programs, there’s often a wide range of options for them to explore. Take time now to research what’s being offered, talk to your child about what they’re excited to try, and get those registrations in early (some of these can fill up quickly!). Look beyond just what they’ve done before and see if there’s something new they’d like to explore. It’s also a good idea to check schedules in advance so you can plan transportation and make sure it fits into your family’s weekly routine.
Get the School Supplies Ready
Back-to-school shopping is a yearly ritual that can help kids feel excited and prepared for the year ahead. Make a list of the essentials: things like a supportive backpack, lunchboxes and containers, writing utensils, notebooks, art supplies, and any textbooks that might need to be picked up ahead of time. Don’t forget to label everything clearly – especially water bottles, lunch containers, clothes and shoes – as things often get misplaced throughout the year. If your child is starting a new grade or school, check in with the school or teacher to see if there are any grade-specific supply lists they’ll need to tick off.
Think About Clothing for the Year Ahead
Kids grow fast, and school brings lots of different activities to prepare for, from gym class to after-school activities. Make sure they have a few comfortable, weather-appropriate outfits for the first few weeks, along with any specialty items like indoor shoes, sports gear, or extra layers for fall. Back-to-school is also a good time to go through drawers and closets together and donate anything that no longer fits or gets worn.
Talk About What to Expect
The first day of school can be exciting, but it’s normal for it to also bring nerves, especially if your child is starting somewhere new or moving to a different class away from their friends. Spend some time talking with them about what to expect and how they’re feeling. Walk through what the first day might look like, remind them of the fun things they can look forward to, and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous. Encouraging open conversation now helps build trust and gives you insight into how they’re really doing. Don’t forget to check in regularly once school begins to help them navigate new experiences and challenges with confidence, without putting too much pressure on them.
Plan Their School Route
Take time to make sure your child knows exactly how they’ll be getting to and from school. If they’re walking, biking, or taking public transit, practice the route with them ahead of time and go over safety tips. If they’ll be taking the school bus, confirm pickup and drop-off times, bus stop locations, and what to do if there’s a delay or if they miss the bus. Make sure they know how to contact you or a trusted adult in case of emergency. A little preparation now helps both you and your child feel more secure and confident on that first day – and will help to ease your nerves when they go off on their own!
Set Up a Homework and Study Space
Having a consistent, quiet space at home where your child can focus on homework or study is an important part of setting them up for success. Try to choose a spot away from high-traffic areas and distractions like TV or noisy siblings. Stock the area with basic school supplies, good lighting, and a comfortable chair. If you’ve recently moved or are setting up a new space, involve your child in designing or decorating the area so it feels personalized and motivating. Creating this routine space will make it easier to focus, stay organized, and build good homework habits from the start.
Ease Into a Routine
As summer winds down, it’s helpful to slowly shift back into a more structured schedule. Start adjusting bedtimes and morning routines gradually so that the first week back doesn’t feel like a shock to the system. Talk through what a typical school day will look like, including time for getting ready in the morning, after-school activities, homework, and winding down at night. Getting back into a rhythm before school starts will make mornings smoother, reduce stress, and help your child feel more prepared and energized as they ease back into their routines.
Plan Ahead for Lunches and Snacks
Lunch prep is one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you’re scrambling early in the morning during the first week of school. Get ahead of it now by thinking about easy, nutritious options your child will actually enjoy and that will fuel them through a busy day. Try including a mix of healthy staples with a few fun treats, and if your child is old enough, get them involved in choosing and packing lunches to build independence and help avoid waste.
Making a smooth transition from summer to school doesn’t mean rushing through the final weeks of August… It means planning ahead so you can actually slow down and enjoy them together! Taking a few small steps now can go a long way in setting your family up for a happy, stress-free school year. You’ve got this!
