2020 Update
I wrote this three years ago, and now I’m not only asking myself where did the summer go, but where did the years go? Natalie will be entering high school this year and Alexandria and Samantha will be in the 8th grade. My baby Olivia will start kindergarten! I say “entering” but will they really be “entering” a building as in years past? This Covid – 19 virus has really changed things. Natalie, Alli and Sami will be starting the year virtually. My daughter is thrilled about having them at home even longer (I’m being sarcastic). Olivia will be going to a school building on some days, and attending virtual school on others. Well, many of these tips from three years ago can still be very helpful. And don’t forget to read “Little Helpers For Home Schooling.”
Little Helpers From 2017
Where did the summer go?! School is starting in the next few weeks, so I put out this little survey asking for input from students, teachers, parents, everybody.
- What gets you excited about going back to school?
- What worries you about going back to school?
- What can your parents and grandparents do to help you get off to a good start this school year?
My daughter Julia, mother of three girls ages 11 and 10 year old twins, rarely has time to respond to my posts. She is extremely busy running two businesses and countless activities for her children. However, she did respond to this post:
“Move in with me, pack all their lunches, then take them to school, pick them up.”
To which I responded:
“Be careful what you wish for.”
There are many helpful “back to school” tips for parents, but what can grandparents do to help out? Most of us don’t live in the same house as our grandchildren, so we can’t do all the daily things. As it turns out, there are a few things we can do.
Here’s what (I consider) the experts have to say:
Natalie, going into 6th grade, first year of middle school:
I look forward to seeing my friends again and to the start of cheerleading season. I’m a little worried about going to a new school and having new teachers. The weather will be getting cold and our schedules will get really busy. The advice I would give incoming 5th graders (my sisters) is to make sure you hand in your homework consistently. There are a lot of tests in 5th grade so stay on top of things. Also, 5th grade camp was fun. The advice I would give grandparents is to help out our parents by buying supplies, talk about our goals for the year and help us stick to routines we establish such as eating a good breakfast and keeping track of how much money we have in our lunch account.
Alli, going into 5th grade:
I’m looking forward to cheer season and seeing my friends again too. With school, dance and cheerleading, I’m going to have a busy schedule again. I want to tell incoming 4th graders to turn in their homework so they don’t get a “homework alert” and lose recess. Also make sure you learn fractions and decimals. My grandparents can help me plan good lunches and by driving me to some of my classes and activities.
Sami, going into 5th grade:
I’m looking forward to “Harmony” ice skating, cheerleading, and seeing my friends. When the weather gets colder, I won’t have so many mosquito bites. I would tell incoming 4th graders that 4th grade is fun and there are a lot of fun projects. I don’t like sports physicals, but I have to get one. My grandparents can help by coming out to see me when I cheer and skate.
Bertha – retired high school technology teacher, grandmother:
Look at school as your gateway to your future. Get all that your teachers have to offer. Report any bullying immediately to the staff. Find that happy balance among the academics, athletics and social skills. Maintain it throughout the school year. Make some great “friends” along the way.
Justin – high school social studies teacher:
Grandparent advice is help with school supply it’s expensive. And make sure it’s organized. Green- It’s book goes with a green folder and they are only used for math then red notebook English etc. buy school supplies now while it’s cheap and hold onto it give a pack of pencils or pens out as the year progresses. Hype then up on how exciting you are for them and how great the year will go. I’m excited to start teaching and improving on how I taught the year prior. I worry about the kids getting along liking me and me them lol. Parents and grandparents can talk to their children about respecting a teacher, the school, classroom, supplies and others. Also be honest about your child, let the teacher know where they struggle, any learning disabilities, behavior issues etc. help the teacher start the year informed to maximize all learning time.
Tom, middle school technology teacher, parent:
Start the routine before school starts – get up, eat. etc. Organize the household and prepare a routine for coming home after school including a routine to complete homework.
Barbara, substitute teacher, grandmother:
Just tell them to stay involved, perhaps make sure supplies get bought. Offer to babysit or pick up kids occasionally, if in the area.
Rebecca, high school special education teacher, mother:
What gets him (my son, a 17 year old young man going to be a senior at North Farmington High School) excited about going back to school is the new supplies and organizing them. What worries him is not knowing who’s going to be in my classes. Grandparents can help by buying me the supplies I know I need. Give me encouragement and support when I need it. Be there to talk to you about any issues or concerns I might have.
Pat, mother of a high school student with special needs:
recommended this website for back to school tips for children with special needs: http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/
Kevin, high school counselor:
As a school counselor by trade I am often asked how we can support our kids. I would say love, hugs, and an open ear are the key. By being aware of your child’s needs is the key to helping transition them back to the grind of the school year. Creating consistency as best you can when it come to a school schedule and home schedule. Communicate to them that you are there to help. Model good study skills create a plan and stick to it with positive reinforcement. Start early get kids on a sleep schedule and a eating schedule. I know I know seems simple but it is the little things that make a difference. Last make learning fun and enjoy your time with that special little one.
TOP 5 WAYS FOR GRANDPARENT “HELPERS” TO GET THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF TO A GOOD START
- BUY SUPPLIES
- PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION
- BE THE PARENT’S BACK—UP SUPPORT –HELP STICK WITH ROUTINES
- HELP WITH SNACKS AND LUNCHES
- BE THERE FOR SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT
PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION – especially if you have more than one grandchild in the same household. You know your children can only be in one place at a time. Besides, if you drive the kids to practice, maybe they’ll let you stay and watch!
BE THE PARENTS’ (your children) BACK-UP SUPPORT – Get a copy of the school calendar and a copy of your children’s “family” calendar. If your grandchildren are in two different schools, like one in elementary and one in middle school, maybe you can offer support by attending conflicting parent-teacher conference schedules or open houses, etc. Get to know your grandchildren’s teachers and friends. Get a copy of whatever handouts the school is distributing just to “stay in the loop” if you ever need to come to the rescue. While you’re helping out, make sure to stick to the routine that your grandchild has.
HELP WITH SNACKS & LUNCHES – Here’s an easy one to make in five minutes:
Nutty Banana Bites
Ingredients: peanut butter, banana, whole wheat tortilla
Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla. Place the whole peeled banana on top. Roll up the banana in the tortilla and slice into six round pieces.
ALWAYS BE THERE TO SUPPORT YOUR GRANDCHILD: I don’t mean financially of course (I’d never be able to do that). Tell them what a great school year it will be. Help them reach whatever goals they’ve set. Attend the football games, cheer with your cheerleaders, and go to the school’s “Open House.” Support them with outside activities as well like, in my case, attend the ice skating and dance recitals (they make me so proud)! Be there to guide and encourage.
Well, there are the five most requested ways that we can help. But I have a few more of my own. My youngest granddaughter Olivia is almost 3 and she will have to wait another year to start pre-school. But we’re getting her ready by incorporating simple things into her everyday life. For example, I have Post It notes with every day simple words that she can read. The word “door” is on a Post It note on the door. The word “table” is on a Post It note on the table. You get the idea.
We just talk as we’re playing. As we were playing in the swimming pool, we talked about one toy that was “floating” on the water and another toy that “sank” to the bottom. While we’re shopping, we count how many ears of corn we’re buying. If we want to buy six ears of corn and we already have four in the bag, how many more ears of corn do we need? Just sneak those little tactics into every day fun.
Little Olivia loves to go to the library, although she still hasn’t quite grasped the “quiet” concept yet. We are working on “100 Books to Read Before Kindergarten” through the Clinton-Macomb Public Library www.cmpl.org. I read to Olivia a few times, and then she reads to me, using the words she remembers and of course the pictures. Her mommy, Jackie reads with her daily as well.
To be honest with you, if my 11 and 10 year old granddaughters asked me to help with math homework, I’m not sure I’d be able to. Any math or science teachers out there have any suggestions? But I know I could help with English and spelling, again, just by using school words in every day conversation – every day – not just until the test is over! I think I’d be more helpful with projects like the one the twins had to do last year. They had to make a “family tree.” Luckily my 84 year old mother was with me – she was a great help with that topic.
MORE LITTLE “BACK TO SCHOOL” HELPERS
(Because this is a Word Document, these links may not work, but they will work from the website www.grammyslittlehelpers.com or simply copy and paste)
http://www.mumblingmommy.com/2014/08/grandparents-back-to-school-tips.html
http://www.creativekidsnacks.com
Thank you everyone for reading and for your suggestions! Please post more suggestions and comments on the form below or at Debbie@grammyslittlehelpers.com
Have A Grand School Year!
debbie@grammyslittlehelpers.com
As a school counselor by trade I am often asked how can we support our kids. I would say love, hugs, and an open ear are the key. By being aware of your childs needs is the key to helping transition them back to the grind of the school year. Creating consistency as best you can when it come to a school schedule and home schedule. Communicate to them that you are there to help. Model good study skills create a planner and a plan and stick to it with positive reinforcement. Start early get kids on a sleep schedule and a eating schedule. I know I know seems simple but it is the little things that make a difference. Last make learning fun and enjoy your time with that special little one.
Kevin Botos M.A. LLPC