Your "Back-to-School" Checklist

Public School.  Private School.  Home School.  The ways in which children receive an education are almost as varied as the kids themselves.  Now, I know there are still a couple {or several} more weeks of summer to be had, depending on the schedule you or your school keeps, but it's never too early to prepare for the academic year.  Even if you're child participates in a year-round program {whether at a school building or at home}, it's still a great time to make sure all of your ducks are in a row.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL KIDS

Practice, Practice, Practice

If your child is used to staying up late and sleeping in, they'll probably have a rude awakening come the first day of school if you don't prepare them for the schedule change up front.  The easiest way to do this is to ease them into the new schedule by making them go to bed fifteen minutes earlier each night until they finally reach the bedtime they'll have once the school year begins.  Same goes for the morning wake up time: wake them fifteen minutes earlier each day.

Another thing that will ease them into the school routine is to have them "practice" a morning and evening routine.  Of course a morning routine will consist of things like making their bed and getting dressed, while the night time routine may include packing their backpack and laying out their clothes for the next day.  You may want to actually make a list {include pictures for the littles} and have them go through it several times.  If you've got kids who love a little healthy competition, hold a "Routine Race" to see who can get thoroughly complete their list first.  Winner chooses the movie for a family movie night.

{This Family Command Center was created by Stacey-Lee, from Get On With It Already!}

Domestic Detox

Is your home prepare for the onslaught of paperwork, projects, and supplies that will plow through your space like an out-of-control tornado?  If not, you may want to be proactive in creating a launch pad {a designated spot for bags, books, etc}, setting up an in/out box for things that need to be signed by a parent, and assembling a comfortable, well-lite, and properly stocked space for your child to do their homework.

Speaking of preparing your home, make time to go through your child's clothes to make room for the new ones you may purchase.  After all, we know kids like to buy a new outfit or two {or a completely new wardrobe} for the new school year.  Clearing out what they've outgrown or what they no longer like will eliminate the famous "I-have-nothing-to-wear" problem.

While you're at it, do a little detox work on your computers and tech gadgets, too.  You want to make sure anything you're child will need for school is working properly.  Plus, you'll want to add things like computer paper and ink cartridges to your school supply list, if your child will need to do a lot of computer work.  Speaking of supplies, it's a good idea to purchase two sets for each kid: one to get them started and another for the second half of the school year. {TIP: Bulk stores like Sam's or Costco are great places to find bargains.  Also, use coupons when available and be sure to shop those tax-free weekends.}

An Apple a Day...

Well, you know the saying.  And, for many kids {especially those who participate in sports}, an annual physical is a requirement.  While you're at it though, go ahead and schedule appointments for the dentist and eye doctor as well.  That way, your child won't have to miss important classes to have these done.

SCHOOL AT HOME

{This super cute homeschool room was decorated by Amy, from Blissful Blooms}

I know you homeschooling bunch didn't think you were getting out of this checklist, did you?  Honestly, though, I don't have any formal homeschooling experience yet {we'll start "officially" preschool-homeschooling my son next month}, but please allow me to share some things I've observed in doing my research...

First, it is a good idea to do a whole-house organizing sweep.  An organized pantry may not directly benefit your child's education, but it will make dinner prep easier, which means you have more time to spend on a science project or reading that book that you all love.  An efficient home will allow you to lead a more simple life, which means less stress and more time to enjoy learning together.

Second, it's a good idea of have a dedicated spot for supplies.  You may not be able to {or even want to} keep every thing locked away in one closet, because a huge benefit of schooling at home is that learning is simply a part of everyday life.  With that in mind, it will probably make more sense to simply keep like items together, but store them where they are most often used: art supplies near the dining room table, books on shelves near the sofa, science equipment in the kitchen...

Lastly, {and this one is kind of just for fun, because I can't help talking about decorating} incorporate educational "art" into your decor.  When you think of a classroom, two things usually always come to mind: chalkboards and maps.  Luckily for us homeschooling families, these two things are very popular design trends right now.  Don't have a dedicate school room?  Frame a map and hang it in your living room.  Paint a wall in your dining room using chalkboard paint.  Go all out and buy a used set of lockers for your entryway or mudroom.  The point is, make your home a place that works for you and a place you enjoy spending your time.

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Now, I want to open this discussion up to any of you who have tips, tricks, and hints to share.  It doesn't matter whether your child goes to public school or you homeschool, I want to know what makes it easier for you to get and stay organized.  If you have a blog and you'd like to link to specific posts about organizing in relation to school, feel free to include them in the comments as well.

*Blessings*

Linked To:
Women Living Well Wednesdays at Women Living Well
Homemaking Link Up at Raising Homemakers
Works For Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family