NINE THINGS TO INCLUDE IN A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE.

What are the nine things to include in a school success schedule.  And why does your child, especially if they are just starting school, need a schedule?  They don't have any homework to do....

​Following on from talking about uniforms and managing anxiety about starting school, this article looks at the importance of having a schedule.   

Why create a School Success Schedule? 
​One main reason - predictability.

Going through this process helps everyone in the family, particularly your child, know what to expect.  This predictability will help with easing the stress associated with starting a new School Year.

When your child starts school for the first time, (or even for the 10th time) there is a shift in routine.  From holiday rhythm to school structure.  This is a huge change and can be a source of stress for parents and children.  

There are also a huge  number of questions that need answers.  Who is doing drop offs, pick ups?  What time do we need to get up, go to bed?  When do we prepare lunches?  What activities are scheduled for after school?  Is that too much, too little?  Reading? Bath or shower in the morning or at night?  How much time people have in the morning really varies. Does your child naturally wake early or late?  Is there a commute to school?  Do they have a bus to catch?  

School Countdown - School Success Schedule

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The aim is for your child to get to school on time and to get home from school, safely.  How this happens is flexible.

There are no right or wrong answers to many of these questions.  But like most things, open communication means people are less likely to argue based on assumptions or lack of information.
​
What do you put in a School Success Schedule?
​If  you want your child to thrive here are 9 things that may help.

The aim is for your child to get to school on time and to get home from school, safely.  How this happens is flexible. 

NINE STEPS TO A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE 

1. Discuss the flow of the school week with your child. Think about where there is room for negotiation in how they want the flow to be.
2. Make sure your child is clear of the flow of the school week.  Have it up visually where they can see it.  This is especially useful for children who are feeling a bit anxious, and for children who are living in a shared care arrangement.
3. The day begins the night before.  Have clothes and everything needed ready for the day. Talk to your child to see if there is anything on the next day that they are looking forward to or that may be concerning them.  Encourage them to focus on the positive.  In the morning is when the preparation will pay off.  
4. If your child is going to eat breakfast they need time to eat at their pace and then allow time for digestion and toileting (at least 20 minutes after eating).  If this is not possible, ensure they have something simply but densely nutritious to eat as soon as they can.
5. Do not over schedule after school activities.  Having to go to school and concentrate, socialise, sit still, obey, do their best…it  can all be very exhausting.
6. Put in a transition time between school and home. If you are picking your child up, playing at a local park, walking part of the way home, and/or having an after school snack available can be very helpful.
7. Provide a range of non-screen down time calming activities for your children when they come home.  Reading, colouring in, blowing bubbles, playing at the park, catching and throwing a ball in the backyard..
8. Work out the best time to chat with your child about their day – probably not straight after school!  For tips on communication see my videos on Youtube, including tips for talking to your child after school.  -   
9. Find time to read with your child everyday - .

 
As you can see, this is really a non-schedule schedule.  Lots of free time to allow for relaxation, movement and creativity, with enough structure to provide predictability and regular parent-child interaction.  
 
These are the things that make a wonderful schedule.


Best wishes
 
Kim Dunn
 
ps If you have a child in the early years of school - Prep to Grade 4, and have are looking for a place to have your questions answered and be supported in helping your child thrive at school, you may be interested in a new online community.  (I would have loved one of these when my eldest first started school!).  For more information see  http://bit.ly/EarlyPrimaryThrive.