As summer winds down, the rhythm of the school year begins to hum in the background. For families, this season is less about endings and more about transition – shifting from unstructured days to the familiar cadence of backpacks, routines, and fresh notebooks. And while the first day of school may be circled on the calendar, real preparation begins well before the bell rings.
Whether you’re sending off a wide-eyed kindergartener or nudging a senior toward their final homeroom, a smooth transition starts with thoughtful habits at home. From reestablishing routines to nurturing emotional readiness, these practical tips can help set the tone for a confident, successful start.
One of the most effective ways to ease back into school life is to re-establish routines before the first day. Summer’s flexible schedules often stretch bedtimes and blur mealtimes, but experts agree: structure gives kids a sense of security and confidence. Start by adjusting sleep and wake times about two weeks before school begins. Gradually shift bedtimes and alarms by 15-minute intervals until they align with school-day demands. A solid sleep pattern can improve focus, mood, and memory, key components for a successful start. Extend structure to morning and evening rituals. Practice getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing backpacks. These “dry runs” help build time awareness and can even become fun with timers or playlists. A few full run-throughs the week before school, including alarms and getting out the door, help reduce morning meltdowns and boost confidence. Keep things relaxed. The goal is comfort, not perfection.
First-day nerves often stem from the unknown, which is why familiarity is a powerful tool.
Attend school orientations or open houses, if available. Walk through hallways, peek into classrooms, and point out key locations like the cafeteria, nurse’s office, and bathrooms. Even brief visits help kids form a mental map and ease anxiety. If no formal visit is offered, check the school’s website for photos or a virtual tour. Talk through what the day might look like, from drop-off routines to lunch breaks, and reinforce who they can turn to for help.
Big transitions bring big emotions. In the weeks leading up to school, create space for low-pressure conversations. Ask what your child is excited or nervous about, and reassure them that their feelings are valid. “You don’t need all the answers,” says Ann Gallagher, a speech-language pathologist in the Woonsocket Education Department. “Just being available to listen and observe can make a big difference.” For younger children, role-play common scenarios like asking for help or greeting a new friend. Older kids might benefit from journaling or creating simple goals for the school year. These conversations strengthen the parent-child connection and promote emotional readiness.
Back-to-school prep isn’t just about supply runs. It’s also about helping kids manage daily tasks with confidence. Age-appropriate chores, such as feeding the dog or setting the table, foster time management and a sense of responsibility that carries over to the classroom. Let your child help pack their lunch, choose their outfit, or prepare their school bag. It might take longer, and you may need to negotiate whether pajama pants count as real clothes, but the process builds self-reliance. Encourage younger children to practice tying their shoes, zipping coats, and opening snack containers. These small skills reduce stress during the school day. Older children benefit from a dedicated homework space stocked with essentials and maybe a fun personal touch, like a favorite photo or novelty pencil holder.
Choosing your own school supplies can be a surprisingly powerful experience. For many kids, back-to-school shopping isn’t just about ticking items off a list; it’s a chance to feel capable, independent, and ready for what’s ahead. Whether it’s a glittery water bottle, a new backpack, or the perfect highlighter set, letting your child take the lead on small decisions can help them feel more prepared and excited for the year ahead. A first-day outfit, no matter how simple, can also work wonders. It’s not about brands. It’s about helping your child feel like they’re stepping into something new with style and self-assurance.
The foundation for a smooth school day begins at home, especially with sleep, nutrition, and screen-time habits. Breakfast doesn’t need to be fancy. A banana, toast with peanut butter, or a smoothie can provide lasting energy. Children who eat breakfast are more likely to stay focused and avoid mid-morning fatigue. Ease back into screen-time limits gradually. Try capping device use at around two hours a day. Turning off screens an hour before bed can help reset sleep patterns. Consider swapping screens for calming nighttime rituals like reading or prepping lunch together. Hydration is often overlooked, so a reusable water bottle that follows your child from the classroom to after-school activities supports both focus and well-being. A consistent bedtime routine with simple cues, such as bath time or quiet reading, can make mornings less chaotic and more intentional.
Health and academic readiness go hand in hand, and that includes communication. “For younger children, early speech and language milestones are typically checked at pediatric visits,” explains Gallagher. “Following directions, understanding early concepts, and expressing oneself clearly all lay the groundwork for literacy and social skills.” She notes that hearing screenings are also part of routine back-to-school checkups. However, some concerns don’t surface until a child starts kindergarten. “Teachers often notice when a student struggles with articulation or understanding classroom routines,” she says. “At that point, a speech and language screening may be requested.” Gallagher encourages parents to observe speech and language development as early as possible, but not to panic if their child seems behind their peers. “There’s a wide spectrum of what’s considered normal,” she says. “If you’re unsure, start with your pediatrician or a licensed speech-language pathologist.” Unaddressed communication challenges can lead to school-related anxiety. Children who aren’t understood, or who notice they speak differently, may withdraw, act out, or avoid participating in class.
“To reduce that anxiety, early identification and school-home collaboration is key,” Gallagher emphasizes. “If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), make sure it’s updated and in place at the start of the year.” She also underscores the importance of keeping communication open between home and school. “Parents who reach out and ask for strategies to use at home are incredibly helpful,” she says. “Speech therapy doesn’t happen in a bubble. Carryover at home strengthens progress made at school.”
Whether your child is heading to preschool or preparing for graduation, thoughtful routines, health check-ins, and open communication can make a lasting difference. “Every child has a unique set of strengths,” says Gallagher. “With the right support and preparation, they’re set up to thrive.”
• Bellevue Kids, Newport
• Feminine Fancies, Barrington
• Lorelei’s for Little Ones, Newport
• Luca Boutique, Warren
• Savon Shoes, Warren & North Providence
• Teddy Bearskins, East Greenwich, Wickford & North Kingstown
• The Matchbox, Providence
• Wildflower Kids, Westerly
• Craftland, Providence
• Frog and Toad, Providence
• Rhody Craft, Providence
• Cadence Academy Preschool, Smithfield
• Dr. Day Care: Central Falls, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Pawtucket, Providence, North Providence, Smithfield
• The Etiquette Factory, North Kingstown
• Levy Educational Advocacy, Cranston
• The South County Montessori School, North Kingstown
• Biomes Marine Biology Center, North Kingstown
• Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol
• Create Color Art, Narragansett
• Homeschool Adventures at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Providence
• Providence Children’s Museum
• Inspired Closets, East Greenwich
• Organized Abode, Westerly
• Early Intervention (Ages 0-3): EOHHS.RI.gov
• Child Outreach Screenings (Ages 3-5): RIDE.RI.gov.
• RI Parent Information Network (RIPIN): RIPIN.org
• All Saints STEAM Academy, Middletown
• Alliance Française of Providence
• Barrington Christian Academy, Barrington
• Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick
• Bishop McVinney School, Providence
• Blessed Sacrament School, Providence
• Community Preparatory School, Providence
• Croft School, Providence
• French‑American School of RI, Providence
• Fr. John V. Doyle School, Coventry
• Gordon School, East Providence
• La Salle Academy, Providence
• Lincoln School, Providence
• Moses Brown School, Providence
• Mount Saint Charles Academy, Woonsocket
• Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth
• The Prout School, South Kingstown
• Providence Country Day School, East Providence
• Rocky Hill Country Day School, East Greenwich
• St. Andrew’s School, Barrington
• St. George’s School, Middletown
• St. Mary Academy – Bay View, Riverside
• St. Patrick Academy, Providence
• St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart, Portsmouth
• School One Special Programs, Providence
• Wheeler School, Providence
• The Wolf School, Rumford
• Montessori Centre of Barrington
• Montessori Children’s House, Providence
• Montessori Community School of Rhode Island (MCS RI), Providence
• Montessori of Greenwich Bay, East Greenwich
• Ocean State Montessori School, East Providence
• Orchid Montessori School, West Warwick
• Quest Montessori School, Narragansett
• Sea Rose Montessori Co‑op, Portsmouth
• South County Montessori School, North Kingstown
If you have a high school senior considering higher education, it’s never too early to start planning. The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit quasi-state organization that provides affordable education loans, free college admissions, and financial aid support through the College Planning Center. Online tools include family income, college, and budget calculators, and scheduling an in-office appointment can be a big help for parents and guardians who are learning how to navigate the process. Learn more at RISLA.com
From the first day to the last and every holiday and break in between, find it all at the Rhode Island Department of Education website at RIDE.RI.gov
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here