Preparing a Student for School: A Comprehensive Checklist

The transition back to school can be a whirlwind of activity. From changing schedules and supply lists to new clothes and forms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can help your child navigate the back-to-school season with less stress and more excitement. It’s never too early to prepare for college. From elementary school all the way to high school, you can take steps each year to help you and your student prepare for college. And the sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for education after high school.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of back-to-school preparation is addressing your child's mental and emotional well-being.

Reflecting and Anticipating

Reflect on the summer and get excited about the upcoming school year. Take time to reflect on the summer break and discuss the highlights with your child. Encourage them to share their favorite memories and experiences. Following this reflection, shift the focus towards the upcoming school year. Discuss what they are looking forward to, such as seeing friends, learning new subjects, or participating in extracurricular activities.

Open Communication

Talk to your child about school at a different time. Engage in open and honest conversations about their feelings and expectations for the school year. Use back-to-school conversation starters to find out what they’re thinking about the school year ahead. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing any anxieties or concerns they may have.

Goal Setting

Ask your child what their goals are for the school year. Encourage your child to set achievable goals for the school year. These goals can be academic, social, or personal. Help them break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate your children’s efforts. This encourages continued learning and goal setting.

Seeking Help

Come up with a plan with your child of when and how to ask for help when they need it. Develop a plan with your child for when and how to seek help when needed. This could involve talking to you, a teacher, a school counselor, or a trusted friend. Remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

School Connectedness

Feeling connected to their school is positive for children’s mental health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Support school connectedness by showing interest in their teachers and school activities. Take note of school events for families and add them to your calendar. Encourage your child to get involved in activities outside of schoolwork.

Practical Preparations

Beyond the emotional aspects, there are several practical steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Establishing Routines

Changing schedules. Sit down together and create a schedule for school days. Talk through expectations for mornings and after school. Sleep schedules are often different over the summer. A great way of preparing for back to school is by getting kids back in the groove with their sleep schedules. Try to start bedtime a little earlier each night. Establish clear routines for school days, including wake-up times, mealtimes, homework time, and bedtime. Post the schedule in a visible location to help everyone stay on track.

Familiarizing with the School Environment

For children starting middle or high school, visiting the school and practicing how to walk from one class to another may be helpful. Many schools have these visit days scheduled. If your child is starting at a new school or transitioning to middle or high school, consider visiting the school beforehand. Practice walking from one class to another to help them become familiar with the layout.

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Back-to-School Shopping

Each school has their own way of sending out their requested school supplies list. Sometimes the previous year’s teacher will send home a list of school supplies needed for the following year. Our back to school guide is here to help your family ease the transition to the new school year with all the information you need on student supplies, new clothes, school essentials for lunch, and more.

School Supplies

Include your child in picking out supplies, choosing a spot and deciding where to put things away. Print the school calendar to help you plan ahead. Also, you can use it throughout the year to notice how it may be related to your child’s mood and emotional changes. Involve your child in the back-to-school shopping process. Allow them to choose their own supplies, within reason, to foster a sense of ownership and excitement. While most people shop for supplies for school at big box stores or grocery stores, we recommend checking out office supply stores as well. Some families find it thoughtful to pick up a few back to school items for their teacher’s desk as well, such as sticky notes, red pens, and highlighters.

Clothing

Before you go back to school shopping for clothes, take inventory of your kid’s belongings, and see what needs to go and what can be reused. Assess which clothing items still fit and which have been outgrown. Before heading out to buy new clothes, take inventory of your child's existing wardrobe. Determine which items still fit and which need to be replaced.

Lunch and Snacks

Next on your back to school checklist is groceries. You’ll need items for school lunches, after-school snacks, and easy weeknight dinners. In addition to sandwich ingredients like bread, condiments, lunchmeat, and cheese, consider adding other lunch options to your back to school shopping list. From soup to salads to chili, it’s nice to switch things up to keep boredom at bay. Parents know that kids and snacks go hand in hand. Stock up on a variety of options like fresh fruit, as well as pre-packaged options that don’t require refrigeration. Be sure to have convenient meal items on hand as well for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Think pasta and sauce, stir-fry ingredients, steam-in-bag veggies, frozen pizza, and more. Another kid-friendly option is bacon and eggs. Plan for school lunches and after-school snacks. Stock up on healthy and convenient options that your child enjoys.

Organization

Take out all the student supplies you bought and label everything with your kid’s name before loading their backpack. Don’t forget to label and pack their favorite reusable water bottle. We also recommend selecting their first-day outfit beforehand to avoid any morning drama. You’re ready to fill your kiddo’s lunchbox! Consider including a special note in their lunchbox to wish them well on the first day of school. Label everything with your child's name, including clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies. This will help prevent lost items and make it easier for them to stay organized.

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The First Day and Beyond

The first day of school can be a nerve-wracking experience for both children and parents. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth start.

Prioritize Sleep

On the first day, don't forget to set them up for success! Make sure they get enough sleep and the morning goes smoothly. Ensure your child gets enough sleep the night before the first day of school. A well-rested child is more likely to be alert, focused, and emotionally regulated.

Calm Mornings

Taking a few deep breaths with them before heading out the door can help calm everyone. Establish a calm and relaxed morning routine. Avoid rushing and create a positive atmosphere.

A Special Touch

Consider including a special note in their lunchbox to wish them well on the first day of school. A small gesture of love and encouragement can make a big difference.

Looking Ahead

It is never too early to start dreaming. Start talking about ideas for your future with family members, teachers and your school counselor. Pay attention to the subjects and activities you most enjoy in middle school. SDMyLife is a great place to start!

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