If 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.
In 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.
I 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 Items With Other Families
This 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 Before
My 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.
Hang Children's Art on a Clothesline
When our boys where young, we would run a length of cord down the hall for each boy. They then painted clothespins (clip type), and when they brought home a creation they would clip it to their line.
Use Dry Erase Calendars to Track Activities
Saw this at a friend's house and I intend to have it ready in my home before school starts: Purchase 3 dry-erase calendar boards. Fill out three months at a time; the current month, and the next two. Write in dates of all activities.
Check Product Quality Before Purchasing From Fundraiser
Through 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.
It might be fall, but now is the time to purchase your child's teacher gifts. Teachers always appreciate tokens of student appreciation, especially those that are hand-picked by their students.
Make Flash Cards To Learn New Subjects
Make a set of flash cards using index cards and the glossary in your text book. Review them during commercials, in the car, on the bus, while waiting for text messages, etc.
Be Good the First Week of School
In the first week of school, don't act bad. You will really be considered the "bad kid" and teachers won't be nice to you during the school year because they know how you act.
Keep After School Snacks in the Car
Keep snacks in the car. Fill a sandwich bag with pretzels, crackers, cheerios, etc. Keep bottled water also. If you pick up your kids, as I do, they are hungry when they get in the car. This snack gets them to dinner and makes for a more pleasant ride home.
Start School Schedule Before School Starts
My 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.
Years ago when my kids started school every year I took a picture of each of them the first day of school. I taped the picture to a large manila folder. I wrote on the outside the teachers name, school and who were the friends at that time.
Prepare for School the Night Before
The 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.
Summer comes and goes much too quickly, but you can create a little excitement over heading back to the classroom. Take advantage of the great deals and throw a Back to School Bingo for your kids!
Take Pictures on the First and Last Day of School
On the first day of school, make sure you take a photo of your child before they leave the house. On the last day of school, take a photo also so you can see how much they have progressed physically as well as educationally!
Getting Ready For School In Advance
My 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 School
With 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.
If your school has a "Meet the Teacher Night", this is a wonderful chance for your child to view their new classroom, learn where it is located, perhaps meet a few of their new classmates, and most importantly, get to actually meet the teacher while Mom and/or Dad are there to make them feel a bit more comfortable.
Shop For Christmas During Back To School
This may sound really crazy to a lot of people but I have a way of saving money at Christmas time that is unique. In August when the kids go back to school, our state has a no tax weekend for school supplies and other school related items.
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