Preparing kids for heading back to school after the lockdown with giveaway

Kids have been away from school for the longest period in their lives. Whilst our kids with autism struggle with these changes, many kids find the transition into and out of school challenging even in normal times. We've found that there are things that can help whatever type of bubble or other system your school is adopting to keep kids safe.

Return to school timetables

I don't necessarily mean lesson tables.  I'm talking about returning to normal daily routines that often go out of the while the kids have not been at school and into the summer break. 

This has meant we've changed things such and meal times and bed times.  The kids have been going to bed later and some mornings have been more relaxed. 

In the run up to school starting we are trying to get back into the old morning and evening routines. Getting up, getting dressed and having breakfast by 8.30 so that come first day back, it's not such a shock.  We've been trying to introduce some independence with this too.  It's been easy to get into the habit of doing everything for the kids while they have been out of school so we've got some idea to help them organise themselves again. 

An alarm clock helps them be responsible for getting themselves up in the morning.  Anthony has a 'Wake 'n' Shake' Dynamite alarm clock that includes a vibrate pad for a pillow, light and extra loud alarm function to help him know it's time to get up. This could also be great for any kids who are hard of hearing or deaf.  Anthony can also plug his phone into it so it charges and acts as an additional alarm if he forgets to snooze it and drifts back off to sleep.  Although we haven't been abroad this year, our sleeping pattern has changed long term and we will all need time to adjust. 

Countdown calendar

Knowing exactly when they are going back to school is a big thing for my kids.  But they also like to know other things, like when Dad is going back to work.  Having these activities on a countdown calendar can work well for some families. 

Our eldest likes to know when it's happening but doesn't like to talk about it. By having a visual calendar he can refer to it anytime he likes without it being mentioned and this is less stressful for him.

In the past we've also had dry-run days when we go through not just the morning routine as above, but we've also actually gone through getting in the car and driving to school.

Be prepared for the first day back

All our kids schools do a really good job in transition prep for the kids.  Usually they've all have spent time with their new teachers and in their new classrooms, but that's not the case this year.  There could also be different routines and they may have to accept being apart from other people in the school. So preparing them for where they are going and their teacher is important - a social story or pictures to look at can be really helpful. 

School uniforms don't just need to be checked for fitting this year - a lot of it needs replaced.  Jane hasn't been to school for six months and several things just don't fit anymore.  We've got some Treads shoes for her that have the added bonus of being able to take out an additional insole to make the shoes a half size bigger.  Just as well as her feet have grown loads since she was last in school.   They have a indestructible guarantee so the kids actually get the chance to grow into this larger size.  

Best of all, this great trick also really works for her older brother.  He has autism-related tip toe walking and can fit his orthotics into these shoes without giving up width and height by removing this extra insole.  We've had real challenges finding shoes that work for him like this. 

Anything new of course, needs to be put on before the start of school.  We have their uniforms out and get their school shoes on their feet at least a few days before hand.  School shoes can feel pretty stiff and hard after trainers or sandals during the summer so we try and get the kids senses adjusted a little before hand.

Then we help with ideas for what will actually happen on the first day back.  Most of the kids will have an easy day.  There is a good chance that one of their tasks at school will be either writing or talking about their time away from school.

A journal with a wrap around or sleeve can be really helpful as you can also add in bits like a scrap book without them getting lost.  We found blank pages are the best as it helps open up ideas and doesn't stress the kids out when writing or things go over lines.  We glue in activity sheets from days-out, maps and other things we've been doing during the lockdown.   Our one is also refillable so the kids can use it holiday after holiday and know they have something to refer to. 

Any advice to help kids going back to school?

GEEMARC 'WAKE 'N' SHAKE' ALARM CLOCK GIVEAWAY 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Conditions: UK Residents only. Entrants must be aged over 18. Entry is via Rafflecopter. Entries can be made up until midnight on Friday 28th August as indicated.  One winner will be chosen from all valid entries at random the day after closing. The winner will be contacted within 48 hours of the closing date and have 48 hours to respond. The Prize is one Wake 'n' Shake Alarm Clock as shown above.  The exact prize could change with an alternative product of similar or higher value sent. No cash alternative.

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