Helping Your Child Get Ready For School

Suggestions To Help Get Organized For School

• Make certain your child's medical records are up to date with required immunizations and physical exams. School physicals are needed at certain intervals such as kindergarten, fourth, seventh and tenth grades. Some sports participation may also require a physical. For details check with the school which your child will be attending or your physician. Immunizations are available through the Larimer County Department of Health for all required children's immunizations. No one is refused for inability to pay. Physical exams are offered for preschoolers of low-income or Medicaid qualified parents. Call the Department, 498-6700.
• Now's a good opportunity to plan other necessary appointments such as seeing the dentist or optometrist before classes begin. If you're unable to work appointments into the next few weeks, arrange them for free afternoons or school holidays so your child's class time won't be interrupted.
• Dazzled by lots of back to school sales? Set your budget, then check closets and make a list of necessary purchases for each child. Don't forget to include classroom supplies. Budget planning for clothes before you hit the mall can help avoid unpleasant scenes with your older child or teenager. Consider shopping alone first for younger children and bring them back with you for a fitting session.
• Help each child to organize a schedule for the school year. Determine time periods for clubs or activities, chores, study and homework, plus play. Remember not to overbook a child with too many activities. Go over a morning routine and review bedtime rules, modifying these when age appropriate.
• Start readjusting children to a school bedtime hour. It will still be light enough in the evenings for awhile to tempt children into late evening play; however, the alarm clock shows no mercy nor does the school bell.
• If you have an older child who will be home alone until you return from work, rules and schedules are even more important, along with safety and emergency procedures. Establish these before school starts.
• After setting individual schedules, plan a family session and list everyone's activities on a large family calendar. You could even use a different colored pencil for each family member. Don't forget to pencil in family time amid all those commitments.
• You might want to develop a chart for each child which lists chores, daily and weekly commitments. Stickers can be placed to denote completion. Extra allowance or outings could reward accomplishment and good cooperation.
• Designate a quiet corner or space where each child can complete study tasks. Let him/her help in arranging this space and equipping it with supplies. Shopping for ways to spruce up a study area with a new lamp or desk set can be fun and get a child excited about his/her personal study space.
• If your child had academic or emotional problems last term, consider ways now to alleviate the situation. Schedule an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss concerns as soon as possible. A program to supplement class work may be required such as a tutor. Some needs might be met through the services of a school counselor or other professional. Early intervention will bring quicker results for a more successful school year.

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