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As the second month of school begins to settle in, it’s important to continue checking in with your 1st grader.
When you see your child after a school day, what’s the first thing you ask? It’s probably “How was your day?” or “How was school?” Try to switch things up a bit with different questions.
Let your child know you’re their biggest support by encouraging them to prioritize rest and establish a consistent routine. End the day by increasing literacy skills by reading a book together.
This article outlines how to incorporate these activities into the second month.
Check-in with Your 1st Grader
Ask questions that encourage detailed responses about your child’s school day. Try “Did anything funny happen today?” or “Has anything surprised you yet?” to uncover specific moments or new experiences. Ask about helpful things their teacher did to gauge their perception of the classroom. To address potential concerns, ask “Did anything worry you at school today?”
Consider asking about sensory experiences, like “How did things smell at school today?” This can lead to unexpected stories about various activities.
Choose a time when your child is rested and receptive for these conversations, such as after a snack or during relaxed downtime. This approach helps foster open communication and keeps you connected to their daily school life.
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Ensure your child gets enough rest during the first month of school. The demands of a first-grade classroom can be significantly different from what they’re used to, potentially leaving them more tired than usual. Monitor after-school activities to prevent overwhelming your child. Consider scaling back their schedule initially if needed.
Watch for signs of fatigue, like increased irritability or difficulty concentrating. These may indicate a need for more downtime. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, including regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends. This can help regulate their body clock and improve sleep quality.
If you’re having trouble adjusting their sleep schedule, consult resources like HealthyChildren.org or speak with your child’s pediatrician for personalized advice.
Balancing schoolwork with sufficient rest can support your child’s overall health and academic success.
Establish Morning and Afternoon Routines
Create clear morning and afternoon routines to help your child transition smoothly between home and school. In the morning, set up activities for your child to engage in when they arrive at school, such as writing prompts or simple STEM tasks. These provide a calm and focused start to the day.
For the afternoon, allocate 10-15 minutes for packing up and transitioning back home. This buffer helps avoid last-minute rushes and potential stress. Include a quiet activity like a brief read-aloud or small group discussion about the day’s highlights to help students wind down.
Consistency is key. Reinforce these routines daily so they become second nature to your child, providing a sense of security and control over their day.
Engage in Reading Together
Reading together can address your child’s feelings about school through relatable stories. Choose books that focus on different aspects of school life to open up meaningful conversations.
Some recommended titles include:
- “The 12 Days of First Grade” by Jenna Lettice
- “First Grade Jitters” by Robert Quackenbush
- “A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade” by James Preller
- “A New School Year: Stories Told in Six Voices” by Sally Derby
These books cover topics like new experiences, common anxieties, and diverse perspectives on starting school. Use the stories as starting points for broader discussions about your child’s school day. Ask if they can relate to any characters or situations, and what advice they might give based on their experiences.
Regular reading sessions create a space where your child can express their thoughts and feelings safely. This practice not only supports literacy but also strengthens emotional resilience and helps children handle the challenges of first grade.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that helps your child navigate first grade with confidence.
- Mindell JA, Williamson AA. Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond. Sleep Med Rev. 2018;40:93-108.
- Seuss-Brakovich B, Kostich LM, DuPaul GJ. The effects of school-based interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis 1996-2010. School Psychology Review. 2012;41(4):387-412.
- Senechal M, LeFevre JA. Parental involvement in the development of children’s reading skill: A five-year longitudinal study. Child Dev. 2002;73(2):445-460.
How can I encourage my child to share details about their school day?
Instead of asking general questions like “How was school?”, try more specific prompts like, “Did anything funny happen today?” or “What surprised you the most?” These open-ended questions help elicit more detailed responses about your child’s experiences.
What should I ask if I want to know how my child feels about their teacher or the classroom?
You can ask, “Did your teacher do anything helpful today?” or “What do you like most about your classroom?” This allows you to understand your child’s perception of their learning environment
What are some signs that my child might be tired or overwhelmed at school?
Watch for signs like irritability, difficulty focusing, or a sudden reluctance to engage in activities. These behaviors can indicate that your child needs more rest or downtime.
How can I adjust my child’s sleep schedule to help them handle the demands of first grade?
Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine, even on weekends. Gradually ease your child into the new schedule if needed, and consult resources like HealthyChildren.org or your pediatrician for advice if the transition is difficult.
Why are morning and afternoon routines important, and how can I implement them?
Routines provide structure, helping your child feel more secure and in control. In the morning, try starting with calming activities, such as simple STEM tasks. In the afternoon, allow a 10-15 minute transition time for packing up and unwinding.
What books can help my child process their feelings about starting first grade?
Stories like “The 12 Days of First Grade” by Jenna Lettice or “First Grade Jitters” by Robert Quackenbush address common school anxieties and experiences. Reading together provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns your child may have in a safe, relatable way.
How can I foster a love for reading in my child while also supporting their school experience?
Set aside regular reading time to share stories that reflect their school life. Ask them if they relate to any characters or events, and encourage discussions based on the stories to enhance both literacy and emotional understanding
How do I know if my child is adjusting well to first grade?
Regular, open communication is key. If your child seems happy, engaged, and willing to talk about their day, they are likely adjusting well. On the other hand, if they express worry or consistently avoid talking about school, they may need additional support.
What if my child seems anxious or worried about school?
Use questions like “Did anything worry you at school today?” to identify specific concerns. Reassure your child that it’s normal to feel uncertain at times and that you’re there to help. Reading relevant books together can also provide comfort.
Should I limit after-school activities to avoid overwhelming my child?
Yes, especially during the first month of school. It’s important to strike a balance between structured activities and downtime. If your child shows signs of fatigue or overwhelm, consider scaling back on extracurriculars until they adapt to their new routine.
