Back to School Checklist for Kids

Goal of Activity: Your child will feel more confident and independent after making his own preparations for the first day of school.

Skills targeted: learning life skills, independence

Parents have a million things on their back-to-school lists, but here are some things that kids can do on their own to take charge of their back-to-school experience.

Have you:

1. [] Toured the school?

If the school is new to you, ask your parents to call and see if you can arrange a quick tour before the year begins. You May have gone with your class at the end of last year, but going with your parents gives you a little more leisure to find the important things--like the bathroom.

2. [] Found out who your teacher(s)are?

Check your end-of-the year report card to see if it lists your teacher and room number. If not, see if you parents have the information. Then you can ask around your older friends to see if they can give you the low-down on the teacher’s style.

3. [] Written a Dear Teacher Letter?

Writing your new teacher a letter can help relieve some of your anxiety about a new year and help you to introduce yourself to your teacher. Even if you don’t send it, it may help you figure out what you want people to know about you this year.More »

4. [] Finished off your Summer Bucket List?

Did you get all the things you wanted to do done this summer? Now is the time to try to finish them off. You may not get everything accomplished, but it’s better than going back to school feeling like you didn’t do anything all summer long.

5. [] Set up a homework space?

Believe it or not, once school starts, you’re going to want a space that’s all your own to relax and think when it’s homework time. Claim and decorate that space now before things get too busy when the school year begins (or your brother or sister gets there first!)

6. [] Picked out a backpack?

Your backpack says a lot about you, the least of which is that you’re ready to bring stuff back and forth to school. Make sure you’ve found one that’s comfortable, stylish and big enough for all your books!More »

7. [] Called around to see if you know anyone in your class?

There’s nothing worse than the dread of walking into a classroom full of kids you don’t know. Check around with your friends to see if they have the same or any of the same teachers as you so you can be assured they’ll be there the first day.

8. [] Figured out the bus schedule or tested your walking route?

You don't want to miss the bus on your first day of school and you don't want to get lost either. Find out when and where your bus picks up and/or time how long it gets to school. You could also map out a bunch of different walking routes just to switch it up a little.

9. [] Looked at the school lunch menu or created your own lunch menu?

You don’t have to eat school lunch, but if you’re going to, it’s a good idea to know which days you’ll be brown-bagging it and which days you won’t.To make life a little easier, try planning out your brown bag options ahead of time, too.

10. [] Talked to your parents about any of your concerns about school?

You might be a little uneasy or anxious about going back to school or changes in your routine. It’s a good idea to talk to your parents now, while you have some time to work it through and come up with a plan how to handle your anxieties.