It's that time again! With the back-to-school season upon us, the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety can be felt by both parents and children alike. Here are five creative, child-centered strategies to help ease this transition.

Embrace Playful Learning: How about a game of school drop-off? Get on the floor with your child and play! Let them drop off their stuffed animals or even pretend to be the adult, dropping you off at “school.” Make-believe scenarios like these are an engaging and comforting way to explore new experiences.

Build a Connection with Books: There are so many wonderful books about going to school. Scoop some up from your local library and leave them around your house for spontaneous discovery, encouraging independent exploration. Here are a few of our favorites.
Create a Familiar Face: If possible, print a picture of your child's new teacher and talk about them in everyday conversations. Saying something like, "I wonder if Mr. Nick likes strawberries like you do!" can foster curiosity and comfort.
Connect with the New Environment: Drive past your child's school together, waving hello and goodbye. Express interest in the building and surroundings. Wonder aloud if there will be a water table in the classroom or whether your child will have their own cubby. If your child is ready, explore the school's playground together!
Set Up For Play: Place a dollhouse and a school bus in an accessible area of your home, allowing your child to discover them and begin playing. Include their favorite toys like dinosaurs or puppies! Observing their play can provide insight into what's on their mind.

Doll House / School Bus

Looking for some back-to-school materials and accessories? We’ve got you covered with a full list! Check it out here.

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Are your littles going back to school and do you need some help with adjusting them back to the routine? Check out A Parent’s Handbook for Starting School.

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