It's time to head back to school in the Berkshires and we've rounded up some teacher and parent tips from locals, Facebook friends, and other Macaroni Kid publishers to make the transition into the new school year a whole lot easier.
- Breakfasts you can make ahead are key for me. Sheet pancakes and fridge oats are two of our go tos but if your kids aren’t as picky as mine there are lots of options! — Laurie C.
- Presharpened pencils for the win (your child’s teacher will LOVE you for it!
❤️) — Kiersten T.
- Leave phones at home or at least off and in a backpack in class! — Maureen B.
- Buy items as close as you can to what is on the supply list. Teachers usually pick these items for organizational reasons and it stresses the kids out when they have different items. Usually, the teachers can make it work, but it’s the kids who worry about it and no one wants to be worried the first day of school. — Tiffany H.
- Buying snacks in big bags and putting them in the size containers you want to feed your children. Preferably reusable containers. Have a sweet and salty option, some fruit or veg, and cute little notes
😊— Joni O.
- Spend money on the things they use 180 days out of the year and save on the rest. They use their backpack and lunchbox every single day why not invest a little in a quality item? It might not be the one with the character on it or sequins but it will last you past October. — Angela P.
- I have a supply tub. As things go on sale I buy them and keep them in a plastic tub. Throughout the year as kids need things, they grab them. It's much easier to buy 4 or 5 packs of pencils, paper notebooks etc when they are a quarter than have to make a separate trip and pay 4x as much mid-year. Also lists change and things get added on so a good supply of basics help. Extras stay around until needed never run out. The only exception is glue sticks they dry out if not used within 6 months. — Vernetta L.
- Label or monogram everything that goes to school! From backpacks and lunchboxes to coats, boots, school supplies(unless they are community supplies for the class) etc. Oliver’s Labels are my favorite. Homemade labels are awesome too! — Cheryl L.
- Stock up on pencils, notebooks, etc while they are on sale! Finding a notebook in December isn’t always easy (or cheap)!
📓
✏️— Sheryl Z.
- The last week or two of summer try to get on the school schedule in terms of AM, snack, lunch, and PM routines. — Heather F.
- Talk positively about school starting and reassure your child that it's going to be a great year. — Debbie W.
- Get kids to school on time. Plan an as easy, stress-free morning routine as possible and stick to it. Kids who come in after everyone else have more separation anxiety and play catch up all day. — Kathy B.
- Make the days prior to school enjoyable, family connected, choose bedtime books that have to do with back to school fun and read those for bedtime. Make some goals together for the new year. — Kristen G.
Got a tip?! We'd LOVE to hear it! Share your best back-to-school hacks and advice at taylors@macaronikid.com
