We are now entering the “dog days of summer” which means that school is right around the corner, but are you ready?

Here are some tips for getting ready to go back to school.

Meet the Teacher – many children have apprehensions about starting a new school year, especially if they are in a new district or new school.  Alleviate their fears by meeting the new teacher.  Call your local school to see if you can’t arrange a pre-school meeting with your new teacher or set up a call or send an email.  If you can’t arrange a meeting, look on the school website to see the types of activities that the teacher has in class and/or show them a picture of your teacher.

Tour the School – Many schools host open houses or allow students to tour a school prior to the school year.  If they don’t, at least take your child to the school so that they are familiar with the building’s location and play ground or athletic fields.

Reconnect with Friends – Often summer vacations, camps and activities mean that your child is away from his school friends.  Help transition your child back to school by organizing a get together with his/her school friends.

Ease into the School Schedule – Switching from a summer schedule to a school schedule can be stressful for parents and children alike.  Avoid the chaos on the first day by easing your family into the school time schedule.  Set your alarm clock for the time that you will need to get up, get your kids up and organize breakfast and get them to the bus stop or car as if you were going to school.

Talk it Out.  Talk about the new schedule, expectations, goals, fears and concerns.  Before school starts you should arrange to discuss the schedules and other issues with your children.  Let them ask questions and be sure to listen to their fears and goals.  Be sure to set expectations about schedules, home work and more.

Most schools in the LAUSD start on Tuesday August 18th – check to see dates and times for schools near your Valley Village apartment.