Finishing Touches

Technically my "long" Labor Day weekend has started, but I still have a few "finishing touches" to take care of before I am lucky enough to meet you on Tuesday! As usual I will be recruiting my family members to help me out. Getting everything ready for my students is a group effort! (Usually they don't mind because they know they will get more time with me if they help.)

Getting your child ready for school is going to be a "group effort" too. This last "official weekend of summer" is meant for family, fun, and friends, but it's also the opportunity to get your child off to a great start for school.

You can help out by getting your child to bed early. Kids need 9-10 hours of sleep a night. I know it's going to be a challenge since they have been staying up later all summer, but you have Mother Nature on your side! It's getting dark earlier now and those pesky mosquitos are in full force at dusk. So bring your child in, snuggle them up, read them a book, and put them to bed.

Now I know this is not what any parent wants to hear (myself included...so I guess this is a pep talk for me as well), but those little children need to get up in the morning so it's not a shock for them that first day of school. I'm not suggesting that you get them up at the "official time" they will be getting up for school (I want to sleep in as long as possible), but at least work to get them up closer and closer to that "official" wake up time. The bonus of doing this is that they will be ready for bed early!

Take the opportunity this weekend to make sure that you have all your child school supplies bought and ready to bring to school. I know it's A LOT! You will probably need to bring an extra bag to carry it all. I just hauled in supplies for my children to their open houses this week and I may need the chiropractor after carrying all those things for them! But rest assured we do really need and use all of those items.

Remember that picture day will be on Tuesday too. Even if you are not planning to purchase pictures you will need to get your child's picture taken so they can appear in the yearbook. I will also have you take a picture of them in the classroom for my "getting to know you" plan.

Finally you can calm any of your child's anxieties, nerves, and/or fears by taking some time to answer any questions they have about school. Our plan for Tuesday is this (I have a daughter who is the "need to know" type so if you have one of those children too you can share the plan with them):
            You will find the classroom (WAAAAAYYYY in the back East corner -Room 216)
             Help your child put away their supplies into labeled bins
             Help your child find their locker in the hallway and hang up their backpack
             Show then how to sanitize their hands, get a milk and open it
             Help them find their desk where you can sit next to them while their drink their milk and
             color or read a book til everyone arrives
             I will go over some things parents need to know-let you ask questions
             Read the children a book while you fill out paperwork
             Send you on your way to get your child's picture taken

I will be around this weekend (hopefully on the lake if the weather cooperates), so if you have any questions or need some more information please email me. I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.

Enjoy the "last official weekend of summer". See you Tuesday!

It's Almost Time!

Can you believe that it is almost time for school to start? I have been back in our classroom working very hard to get everything ready for you to come on September 2.

You may be surprised to see the shelves are mostly empty or covered. That's because we are going to work together to create our classroom expectations and guidelines for using all the great things I have for you to learn from.

Remember to bring your mom and dad with your to orientation, but try to find someone to watch your little brothers or sisters so we can really enjoy our time together. You'll be putting away your supplies, finding your locker, desk, and how to check in when you arrive at school. We'll have circle time, a story, and you will get a little something to take home.

I can't wait to meet you! I'll be busy this week and next week putting the finishing touches on everything. You enjoy your last days of summer. Play outside and have fun!