Welcome back, friends! We hope you had a wonderful summer! Heading back to school is exciting, but with changing schedules and routines, and sometimes new school settings, it can be a lot to navigate. Below you will find helpful resources from KLRN and PBS KIDS to help you get ready for the new school year.
Videos
Talk About It: Adjusting to a New School
PBS Parents video that shows a conversation between a dad and a daughter discussing the challenges of adjusting to a new school. Michela (daughter) discusses her experiences growing up and moving to a different school, while her father Valerio reminds her that her loved ones are there to support her. As well as remembering his own experiences with being a new child at school.
Better Together: Building Strong Parent-Teacher Relationships
PBS Learning Media webinar that discusses how parents can collaborate with their child's teacher in order to help their child succeed in school. This webinar is led by educators and parents discussing how they support the students in their lives. It also assists in showcasing parents on how to build and maintain a positive parent-teacher relationship.
Articles
Back-to-School Transition Tips for Parents and Kids
PBS Parents article which provides tips for transitioning Back-to-School such as resetting your family schedule prior to first day of school, making a menu of foods for lunch or snack time to take to school, as well as talking with your child about how they’re feeling at the beginning of the school year
Helping Your Child Navigate Social Situations with Confidence and Kindness
PBS Parents article which provides information on helping your child navigate social situations as well as the importance of social awareness as an essential skill for children. Social awareness helps children navigate the world with empathy, kindness, and understanding. Some tips to build social awareness skills teaching your child to practice compassion and curiosity, discussing differences and similarities, as well as promoting being an active listener.
Help Your Child Be a Kind Friend
PBS Parents article which provides information on helping your child to become more inclusive as well as being a kind friend. Some strategies to assist with this are teaching kids to include others through different actions such as smiling at others, inviting them to play, complimenting others, and noticing similarities as well as modeling kindness and inclusion.
Creating a Supportive Classroom for Your Child With Autism
PBS Parents article on the importance of advocating for your neurodiverse child at school as well as how to connect with your child's teacher to support your child in the classroom. Some tips to partner with your child's teacher in creating a supportive classroom is to ensure that you are organized and stay organized, connecting with your child's teacher whenever you can, having your child's IEP goals be clear, measurable and attainable as well as taking time to talk to your child.
Make a Plan! How to Help When Your Child is Anxious
PBS Parents article discussing how to assist your child when they are anxious. This article discusses creating a plan with your child when they are feeling anxious as well as setting expectations for what to do when your child is anxious, discussing concerns, and practicing in the event of a stressful situation.
Respectful Hellos: Learning Greetings From "Alma's Way"
PBS Parents article that focuses on helping your child understand the different ways in which people like to be greeted, working with your child on how they like to be greeted, assisting your child in vocalizing what works for them, and empowering your child's communication.
Activities
Back-to-School Planner and Checklist
English/Spanish
PBS Learning Media activity, Back-to-School Planner and Checklist to help prepare your child for the upcoming school year. Items on the checklist include knowing your teachers' names, creating a special area at home for meetings with teachers, and knowing school bedtime and how to get ready.
Back to School Packet: PreK and K
English/Spanish
PBS Learning Media Activity Booklet for PreK and K that contains different activities for children to choose their own learning adventure. Contains different activities such as showcasing your child's morning routine, drawing out your feelings, and all about me pages.
Back to School Packet: Grade 1 and 2
English/Spanish
PBS Learning Media Activity Booklet for Grade 1 and 2 that contains different activities for children to choose their own learning adventure. Activities within the booklet are all about me, emotions, and being a good friend.
Kindergarten Readiness Resources
PBS Learning Media resources that focus on Kindergarten Readiness, resources contain Let's Get Ready for School activity cards, Kindergarten Readiness packet, and a Kindergarten Readiness Checklist.