Learning Focus
October 2021 | Focus: Falling into Routine
Starting Strong: Creating a Morning Routine for the School Year
The new school year has arrived! The change of pace from the summer days can be difficult for parents and children. Now is a great time to create a routine that will make mornings calm and organized. Try these tips, adapted from pediatrician Dr. Kimberly Hughes, for creating a morning routine for the school year:
- Create good habits: A good routine is not only what you will do — but in what order and when. If you stick to the same routine for long enough, it becomes a habit. Habits are key to less stress and feeling more prepared for the day.
- Make it easy: Create a list or a set of pictures for younger children that show the steps in your family's routine. Have your kids help create this and put it somewhere everyone will be able to see it.
- Prepare the evening before: Engage kids in this by offering more choices if they prepare ahead of time. For example, they can lay out their clothes, pack their backpack, set out breakfast and help pack their lunches the evening before.
- Establish bedtime and waking hours: Regardless of age, going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day makes it easier to get out of bed.
- Wake up first: If possible, set your alarm so you have time to get up and be ready before your children. Take the extra time to exercise, enjoy your coffee, shower or prepare things before others are up. Not feeling rushed yourself can set a positive tone for the day.
Countdown to School Success
In the Countdown to School Success, the US Department of Education offers a practical month-by-month guide filled with the advice, tools, and online resources. The goal of the guide is to provide every parent the resources they need to help their children have a school year packed with fun and learning.
15 Questions to Replace ‘How Was School Today?’
Are you looking to get your kids to talk about their day, but are met with the dreaded, "School was okay." Edutopia contributor, Elena Aguila, has some tips and questions that will help get your kids talking about the great things or challenges happening in their school day. Check out her 15 Questions to Replace ‘How Was School Today?’
Today's Parenting Guides
Transitions can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing for children and parents. Discover tips for helping students transition into elementary school, middle school, and high school from the experts at Today's Parenting Team. Today's Parenting Guides provide benchmarks and tips for your child's academic, physical, and social emotional growth.
Family Fun: Fall Scavenger Hunt
MICHAEL F. BERNER, ED.D. SUPERVISOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Email: mberner@lumberton.k12.nj.us
Website: https://www.lumberton.k12.nj.us/
Location: 33 Municipal Drive, Lumberton, NJ, USA
Phone: 6092671406