Welcome Containers for TeachersMany years ago, I put together welcome containers for the teachers on the first day school. I put in a tea bag, instant coffee, pack of sugar, candies and little notes of encouragement. At that time, we were able to add single dose packs of Tylenol (for those extra stressful days). Now you can't add those, of course.
First Day of School PhotosEvery year, since our kids were in Kindergarten, I have taken a photo of them in their cubbies. Looking back at them, they are so small those first few years.
Take Your Own School PicturesIf the cost of school pictures has gotten too expensive, try this tip. Instead of having the picture taken at school, create your own school pictures. Hang a sheet or blanket on the wall as a backdrop.
Make School Mornings a BreezeIn the mornings, when getting your kids off to school, it can be hectic! I do some simple things to make it easier and more efficient, and I thought maybe the tips I use would help others.
Waking Up the TroopsI have one child who does not like to get up in the morning, so I set two alarm clocks. The one by her bed is set fifteen minutes earlier than the one that is set across the room. By doing this, she has extra sleep time or time to lounge in bed before having to get up.
Trade Used Back to School ItemsThis can be done in a community to help families provide new articles of clothing, shoes, backpacks, etc for children to have when school begins.
Prepare for School the Night BeforeMy grandchildren live with me, and mornings were chaotic getting them ready for school. Now at night each child has to get their clothes ready for the next day, put their shoes by the door, and have their backpacks next to them.
Check Fundraiser Product Quality Before PurchasingThrough the years, my children's schools have sponsored fund raisers which offer all the school supplies in a big bag for a set amount. I stopped participating because the supplies were usually of poor quality.
Start School Schedule Before School StartsMy mother always started having us go to bed at "school night" times about 2 weeks before it started and getting up at "school morning" times. Then she'd have us write a short paper (usually only one page) to get our minds on track.
Prepare for School the Night BeforeThe best back to school tips are to have your child pick out his or her clothes the night before and either lay them out on a desk or hang them on the front of the closet doors so that they are ready first thing in the morning.
Getting Ready For School In AdvanceMy son just started kindergarten, I work part-time and my husband works second shift. So at night, preparing for school the next day is all up to me! To help myself stay organized, I do the following:
Label Child's Belongings for SchoolWith school back in full swing, for your younger children who might have trouble remembering their coats, jackets, or other items, at school or on the school buses, please put their names on the clothing tags inside, so they can be returned your family.
Oriental Trading Company For Birthday GoodiesSince schools do not allow homemade goodies for birthdays and holidays anymore, Oriental Trading Company has various items in their catalog that would be fun to hand out instead of candy or sweets.
Stock Up on School SuppliesWhen each of my grandchildren were born, I started a tub where I purchase school supplies for them every year. I wait until school starts and Walmart and the other stores discount everything and I stock up.
Decorating Your School Locker with MagnetsMy son started middle school this year and he has his own locker. Of course, he wants to "decorate" his locker. I explained to him that stickers and other semi-permanent things would not be good.
Tips for the First Day of SchoolI'm a nerd and have my own handbook for tips for school. Well here are some tips for the kids if they are nervous. Dress comfortably. Be prepared. Get your stuff out the night before...
New Life for Kids' ShoesI've brought new life into shoes by buying 'Scuff' repair dye next to the shoe polish...
