For some states in Australia, parents and kids have been awaiting return to school, and after several months of home schooling, it’s time to prepare as best as you can for the classroom and school yard. We know the transition can be difficult at first so we’re here to help!

First things first, let’s get a checklist ready so you can have all the information you need at hand to assist you and your child with planning out the rest of your time leading up to the big first day. The school may email you with this information or you may otherwise find it on their website.

Preparations Checklist

• Drop off and pick up times and locations
• COVID-19 requirements for the students including the use of face masks, cleaning and hygiene
• Changes to classrooms, facilities and activities
• Will canteens, school gyms and libraries be open?
• Will learning and mental health support be available?
• What needs to happen if there is an outbreak at school

Once you have all the information you need it’s time to build out your return to school plan with the kids.

Pre School Pep Talk

We understand the first day back at school can often be as nerve-racking as it is exciting, so we want to try and get them looking at the positives and most of all, what they missed the most about school. Some questions you can ask can be ‘what subject are you looking forward to the most’ or ‘what’s your favourite school event?’.

Return of the Routines

Although most of the school routine will be the same as always, we need to factor in some extra changes the kids wouldn’t be used to such as temperature checks, having to wear a mask or sanitizing. It’s best to start practicing these routines now to help them adjust to the changes smoothly.

To get them into the preparation spirit, why not start thinking about lunch box ideas and get them to help! If you get stuck, we have a great blog with a few lunch box ideas to help.

Practice Focus and Attention

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but the right amount of sleep will always help, not just for kids’ focus and attention but their overall energy levels. We want to give kids the best opportunity to seize the day and having between 8-10 hours of sleep is optimal for growth and development.Mindfulness also plays a big part in improving focus and attention as well as social and emotional skill in a child’s development. It's ideal for kids to practice mindfulness not just in preparation for return to school but in their everyday life. Here are some other mindful exercises that we recommend.

• Reading
• Deep breathing
• Memory games
• Spot the difference
• Drawing or Painting

Re-Introducing Their Social Side

One of the best things kids love about school is being able to hang out with their best friends. Try organising a playdate or small gathering in the park or playground with their friends to help them adjust to reconnecting with others. Why not make it like a P.E class and have the kids dress up in their sports uniforms. Check out our blog on How to do a PE lesson in the park blog for some ideas.

Be There for There’s Ups and Downs

It will take time for kids to adjust to returning to school but taking the first step is always the most important. Be sure to check in at the end of the day to see how their day went and if they had trouble with any of the new changes they’re experiencing.

It’s always good to encourage conversation and help them to feel comfortable talking about what they most enjoyed about returning to school, and if there was anything they found difficult, to help them find a way to overcome their worries.