Top 10 Things To Do Before The First Day Of School:
- Look over your child's IEP and make notes (make sure you understand what it says)
- Write a note to introduce your child to their new teacher (short & sweet...you know your child best)
- Any unsettled business needs to be discussed before school begins (assistive technology, placement concerns, accommodations, related services)
- Make sure all evaluations are current
- Call the school to set-up a tour to prepare your child for the first day of school
- Start talking about school in a positive way with your child
- Ask your child questions to make sure that they are prepared for the new year
- Write a list of questions that you may have, so you are prepared for Open School Night
- Start setting up schedules at home for a smooth transition from lazy days of summer to the hustle and bustle of the school year
- Breathe...This is going to be a successful school year for you and your child(ren)
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Hi Skillful Squad, thank you for the tips. I like the thought of writing my son's teacher a note. I find that sometimes the new teacher hears all the not so good things about kids entering their classroom. I think a short/sweet note to highlight the positive things will go along way. I am also going to start a schedule for my son, any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
ReplyDeleteI too am going to use some of these tips. I know the open school night questions seem a bit premature, but I already have questions and when school starts so does chaos. I am going to write my questions now, so I only have to add to them when the time comes. My daughter is starting middle school and I am very nervous about this transition!!!
Good tips ~ Amanda
Hi Amanda, you she see if you can bring your daughter to her new school for a brief tour to show her around. It will probably help her and you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck
Mandy
Interesting tips. When my wife and I leave annual review we usually feel numb and we get the IEP in the mail and that's it...But, after reading over some of the things listed I realized, we better go over it and ASK QUESTIONS! In the past my son's IEP was ignored and it became an ongoing battle to correct it. You would think we would have learned from that experience. We will be going over the IEP before school starts!
ReplyDeleteGeorge
Thank you all for your comments.
ReplyDeleteMandy: Your post regarding teachers hearing negative information verse positive information for upcoming students is a common concern that I hear from parents. Writing a note simply stating your sons strengths and weaknesses is an easy way to introduce your son and let the new teacher know that you are looking forward to working with him or her. Try not to be too wordy...short and sweet, you don't want to leave a negative impression. As for the schedule, how many tasks you put on it depends on your son. You can create a simple chart on the computer that simply lists the activities planned for the day. What tasks do you want your son to complete (is the question you need to ask yourself)? That' s what goes on the schedule...if you need pictures verse words, you can find images on google, or even in clipart, or take your own pictures. If you need additional assistance feel free to e-mail us - skillfulsquad11@verizon.net
Amanda: The transition into middle school can be difficult. Be sure to communicate with your daughter, bring her on a tour of the school, and try to remain calm as the parent. Some tips for you include, going over her schedule with her, color coding is also very helpful to keep organized (folders, notebooks, textbooks), go over the school map with her, and practice using a combination lock at home. Write your questions down and be prepared. By you being prepared helps your daughter to be prepared and both of you will feel less anxiety. Take a deep breath your daughter will be fine and so will you.
George: Always review the IEP as soon as you get it to make sure everything is accurate. Make a copy of the IEP that you received, one IEP will be left with no marks/comments on it and the other will be yours to highlight, write notes, and write questions on.