6 Tips To Make The Most Of Your First Day Back To School:

Set Up Your Morning
The night before heading back to school is exciting, but it can also feel a little stressful. Take a few steps the night before to ensure an easy wake-up and a smooth morning. Before going to sleep, pack backpacks, plan outfits, and set alarm clocks with an ample amount of time for rolling out from under the covers. Taking these steps will help you avoid the morning rush while also giving you the time you need to ensure that nothing gets left behind before everyone heads out the door tomorrow.

Feed Your Brain
A great day starts with a healthy and balanced breakfast. Our bodies need nutrients to fuel the day and help regulate hunger. For the perfect plate, try choosing whole and unprocessed foods from each of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. Start the school day off right by cutting down on processed cereals and pastries that contain high amounts of sugar. Adding complex carbs, such as whole fruits and veggies will help you feel full longer so that students can focus more on lessons and not what’s for lunch.

Pack Smart
When preparing and packing lunch, consider saying “No” to single-use plastic and use reusable containers and snack bags to keep your food fresh throughout the day. You can also try to forgo the brown paper lunch sack in favor of a fun lunch bag or bento-style lunch box. Go a step further by packing washable cutlery and taking advantage of liquid food containers.

Update The Calendar
Days can go by quickly once the school year has kicked off. Keep a calendar with important dates so that everyone knows what big events are coming up next. Whether it’s a field trip, a big assignment, sports practice, or an afterschool club meeting, staying organized is the best way to make sure that you don’t miss anything.

Stock Your Supplies
One of the most fun aspects of going back to school is picking out new supplies. While it’s much easier to think about generic items like pens, pencils, and notebooks needed on the first day, it may be wise to stock up on these and other supply items. Prevent the seemingly inevitable 9:00 pm trip to the store to buy glue and posterboard for the big project due the next day by keeping some extra supplies on hand. Be sure to take advantage of back-to-school discounts that will make stocking up a no-brainer.

After-School Routine
Set up an after-school routine that makes transitioning to the next day as easy as possible. Start with unpacking backpacks, washing out lunch containers, organizing homework, and separating out papers that need to be signed and returned to class. Eat a healthy snack if you have some time before dinner, and set up a designated time to complete homework assignments. Set a separate time for other activities, such as playing, reading, and more. At the end of the night, be sure to pack everything away in the backpack so that everyone is ready to go again in the morning.

Sal Castro

DRE 01839759

562-305-3816