Back to School Prep
Will they or won’t they? Fingers crossed, kids will be able to return to school in the fall (with cautious measures in place). So, let them get excited. Bring back some of the “back-to-school” hype we once enjoyed. And, as Alexander Bell said so many years ago, before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Spend a few days getting ready, so kids hit the ground running for that long-awaited first day back!
Clean Backpacks
Back to school essentials start with a sturdy backpack. If you are reusing one from last year, give it a good shake outside and check the surface for signs of wear and tear. If it’s machine washable, toss it in the washer (not sure? check with the manufacturer online). Or a simple spot clean with soap and water can do wonders, while a good sanitizing spray will remove the stink. Think ahead, consider where you want kids to keep their backpacks. Hang hooks where necessary and use them from day one.
Sort Through School Supplies
What do you have, what do you need, and what can you repurpose! Not everything has to be brand new when you head back to school. A well-loved pencil case can be carried into the next year, as can binders, pencils, erasers and lunch boxes. Toss out what is no longer good and add those items you might need to your list. Establish a daily routine for unloading their school work, like artwork on the fridge, homework on the kitchen table (to be completed before dinner) and lunch/snack containers into the dishwasher.
Prep the Refrigerator for Lunches
Making lunches every day can be hectic unless you plan ahead. Make space in the fridge for keeping lunch items and after-school snacks well organized. One of the crisper drawers or a couple of small baskets works well. The key is to make these items easy to find so kids can help out. Do the same in the pantry for dry goods. Clean out reusable food/snack containers. Again, if kids are old enough to pack their lunch, ensure containers are easily accessible.
Masks are here to stay (at least for the distant future). So, let kids pick out a few new ones for the first day of school. While it’s not new, go over the importance of wearing a clean mask every day. Give them a mesh bag to collect dirty ones for the wash and a place for clean ones that are easily accessible as they run to catch the bus or their friends walking by. And, don’t forget the hand sanitizer!
Tips to Jazz Up Packed School Lunches
Photo by Kelly-Sikkema on unsplashed
