With summer coming to an end, it is time to start thinking about the new school year. For many kids (and grown-ups!) the transition back to school can be a challenge. The good news is, we are here to help! Find tips from each of our specialists at The Learning Link PDX on how to ease the transition back to school and best support your child with academics, speech, and behavior.
Academics
Reading and Writing
Resuming a homework routine can be very difficult! Wondering how to ease this transition a little? We’ve got you covered.
Check out these helpful considerations:
Create a designated homework space so your child has an organized, predictable workspace. Keep all learning materials in bins in this area (Michael’s and Target have some great options).
For kids with dyslexia, be sure to inquire with the reading or learning specialist about Bookshare - a free audiobook website for your child. Listening to a book while following along in a hard copy will increase confidence and participation.
For kids with dysgraphia, Read and Write for Chrome can be added as an extension to your browser. This add-on will allow text to be read aloud from all websites. Free and paid versions are offered (start with free!) and Youtube offers excellent tutorials.
Using Speech to Text on Google Docs can be incredibly supportive for kids struggling with writing.
Under the “Tools” tab in Docs, you will find the voice typing option (little microphone) which you click on and begin speaking. Once done, click the mic again. Be sure to practice with your child with simple questions such as “What is your favorite ice cream?” Ask your child to rehearse their answer first before pressing record. After they have recorded themselves, make sure they read over their response. Speaking clearly and slowly takes practice but once used consistently, this tool can make written expression much more manageable!
Math
Discussing your child’s IEP/ILP math accommodations with them before the start of the school year is very important. Make sure you are familiarized with the plan and get in contact with the appropriate teachers as soon as possible.
The most common math accommodations include:
Shortened assignments
Audio for computerized math assessments
Word problems read orally
Use of a multiplication chart
Use of a calculator (not when computation is being tested)
Since math is a very fast-paced subject, it can be overwhelming and intimidating for many students. Some tips to help with this include creating a resource folder to store helpful math visuals, important notes, or any math resource pages that can be used during homework and quiz/test prep. Also, ask about the teacher’s policy on test retakes (many math teachers allow retakes on tests as math is repetitive and builds on previous learned content).
Finally, remember that some math textbooks are accessible online which can help students who need additional explanation of concepts or extra practice. Online textbooks can be helpful even if they don't match the specific textbook your child uses. Here is a link to the math curriculum Big Ideas Math and the textbooks associated with it: Big Ideas Math Online
Speech-Language
Many children show hesitation and resistance about going back to school. There are so many unknown social and academic expectations! Parents often wonder, “How do I help my child prepare for these unknowns?”
Communication is Key
With clear communication, parents can provide concrete examples and use vocabulary related to all things “back-to-school”.
Some things to consider:
If your child is attending a new school, visit in advance if possible. Otherwise, show them pictures of the school to familiarize them with the environment
Show your child a picture of their teacher and refer to them by name, read their bio online, discuss their grade and possible friends they might have in class with them.
If your child struggles with intelligibly stating their grade level, teacher’s name and/or friends in their class, make your child’s speech therapist aware so they can focus on these words in their session to increase confidence.
Talk excitedly about all the new things they will be learning and experiencing in the new school year!
Behavior
The lack of a consistent routine in the summer is guaranteed to make the return to the structure of school most likely a bumpy one. The most important thing we can do as parents is manage our expectations! This massive shift in schedule is difficult for all families so prepare yourself with realistic expectations. Grouchiness, increased complaining and less- than-optimal sleep are all natural consequences of the shift from summer fun to the back-to-school rhythm. Buckle up and grab an extra cup of coffee.
Here are some helpful considerations to make these first few weeks more manageable:
Create a visual map of your child’s day. Avoid just discussing the daily plan verbally. Write it down (and attach times to tasks). It takes a matter of moments but can reduce anxiety with clear expectations for kids (and parents!).
Try to restore consistency as quickly as possible (we all know summer schedules are crazy). Focus on restoring a bedtime routine right away, consistent mealtimes and access to technology time that is aligned with your non-summer tech allowance.
Many kids experience a spike in anxiety as they transition back to school. Listening to your child is key. Problem solving is secondary. As they share any concerns, consider asking them if they want any ideas from you or if they simply need to know you are there for them. When sharing worries, most kids do best with a listening ear that provides empathy statements. Be aware of trying to “make it better” if they share a concern. Seldom does a child want to be told “you can do it” but rather “I hear how worried you are and I am so glad you are sharing this with me”.
Bottom line: Summer is pure fun and freedom for many kids so letting go of this blissful feeling is sure to be challenging for all of us. Fret not, rhythm and routine will be restored!
We hope these tips will help ease some of the stresses of back to school! If you are interested in working with any of our specialists 1:1, contact us today!