Educational Tips
THE ABC's of BACK TO SCHOOL
Ideas to reduce stress for parents & kids!
Attend the back to school Meet and Greets. Show your child where their classroom is, where their desk is, and meet the teacher. This will help with any first day jitters.
Buy all of your child’s school supplies at least 2 weeks before the start of school. Use this time to help organize your child’s folders and backpacks. The more organized and ready you are the more at ease your children will feel.
Communicate with the school any changes to your child needs before the first day. Does you child have a new food allergy, a new fear, or did something happen over the summer that will cause your child to need additional resources once the school year begins?
Donate to your school PTA. If not with money, donate your time. In the beginning of the year you will be asked to become a member of the PTA, do it.
Emotions- your child might have anxiety about the first day of school and display this behavior by being emotional. This is normal and should be addressed in a positive and reassuring manner.
Focus on the fun your child had last year and remind them of the fun school related activities they have to look forward to in the new school year.
Healthy Eating - summer is a time that we become relaxed with our daily schedules. Children need to eat healthy meals especially a healthy breakfast before school for their brains and bodies to be ready to learn.
Library -visit the local library and check out books on your child’s summer reading list. According to the U.S. Department of Education, reading 5 books over the summer will help kids stay on track and reduce summer learning loss.
Routine - establish a bedtime routine and begin it 2 weeks before school starts. This will help your child resume a normal school sleeping schedule and routine.
eXtra help- if your child needs help in an academic area, before school starts is the time to help your child master a skill they have had trouble with. Find a local tutor to help them over the summertime to build confidence and academic success going into a new school year.
Remember the better prepared you and your children are for the new school year the more successful it will be.
RECIPE FOR ICE CREAM
(As seen on Maccaroni Kids South Charlotte)
Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag!
This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.
What you'll need:
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 cup whole milk or half & half
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
* 6 tablespoons rock salt
* 1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
* 1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
* Ice cubes
How to make it:
1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
2. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
3. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
4. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
5. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
