Back-to-School Tips from Gregory Elementary’s Coach Stone

​My wife and I have five children, and three have us caught up in the back-to-school craziness. We are squeezing in every last bit of summer fun while school supply shopping and trying to get back in a routine. Here are a few tips we learned to help transition into school mode:

1. Start the school bedtime routine at least a week or two before school starts. Each night, move bedtime up a little bit from the night before until you reach the desired time. Make what you do at bedtime a routine. It helps prepare your child’s mind for sleep. Example: take a bath, read a book, go to bed.

2. Attend Back-to-School Nights! This night creates excitement and helps students work through anxiety about the new school year.

3. Don't wait until the last minute to label all of the school supplies as requested by the teacher. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the days before school starts.

4. Read together! I encourage all families to have your child read to you everyday or read to them if they are younger.

5. Take time to slow down from all the craziness and plan a special day together. For example, go to a park, on a walk, on a bike ride, or another enjoyable activity! Kids are only little once, and you can never get that time back.

6. Talk to your child! Put your phone away and listen. Ask them how they feel about the new school year. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful last few days of summer and an awesome school year!

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Anthony Stone

Anthony Stone is a physical education teacher at Gregory Elementary School. He is a local football coach, published author, and a blogger for Hudl and FirstDown PlayBook. Follow Anthony @Coach_Stone_MT