Preparing your child for back to school

Image shared under CC0

Our Agenda1. Agenda

2. Objectives

3. Introductions

4. Activity 1: Class discussion

5. Activity 2: Review vocabulary

6. Activity 3: Listen to a dialogue

7. Activity 4: 10 things you can do to prepare your child for back to school

8. Activity 5: Case studies

9. Activity 6: Dictation

Workshop Objectives

1. To learn 8 new words

2. To learn what you can do to prepare your child for back to school

• What is your name?

• Where are you from?

Introductions

Join us in a group discussion

Activity 1

• Do you have school age children?

• What kinds of challenges do children face going back to school?

• What have you done to help your children prepare?

Group discussion

Let’s review the vocabulary

Activity 2

Activity one: Vocabulary Review

Member of a nation

To tell someone they did something wrong; sometimes angrily.

Activities done after school

To be interested in something

To feel like you are similar to others

A set time for activity

Giving help or encouragement

To help another feel comfortableFull of stress or tension

to scoldto be engagedroutine

supportiveextra-curricular activities

to put at easeto fit in

stressful

Activity two: fill-in-the- blank

1. We should not __________ our children when they tell us their problems.

2. Making friends will help our children ______________ at school.

3. We can _______________ of our children by listening to them.

4. We can put our children _____________ by letting them know they can speak to us.

5. How can we help our children _____________________ at school?

6. The first day back at school can be a _______________ time.

7. Getting our children involved in __________________________ is always a good idea!

8. Help our children develop a _______________, and stick with it!

be supportiveto be engaged

scold routine

extra-curricular activitiesstressful fit in

at ease

Let’s listen to a dialogue

Activity 3

What are the parents of this child doing to help her?

Listen to a dialogue: Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

So, how was the meeting at the school?

It was wonderful!

So glad to hear that!

Well, remember we live in a new area now. It will be a new school …

and all new friends. That must be a challenge for her.

It sure is!

What are you doing to help her?

Well, I guess I am just trying to be supportive in all aspects. I am getting her back into a steady routine for bed time and wake up time.

That’s a great idea!

I think it will help her in a big way.

Listen to a dialogue: Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Any other ideas?

Well, I am going to get more involved.

How is that?

I am going to go with Julia on her first day back and meet the teachers.

That will put her at ease and help.

I think so. I am going to volunteer as well.

Wow! You are really going to be engaged.

That’s my plan. I’m thinking my engagement with her and her teachers will help her get off to a great start at her new school.

I think you are right! Let me know how her first week goes, ok?

I will. See you next week!

Let’s discuss 10 things you can do to help your child prepare for school

Activity 4

Image shared under CC0

1. Talk to your child about it

Remind your child it’s normal to feel nervous before you go back to school.

Image shared under CC0

2. Remind your child that school is fun

Image shared under CC0

3. Arrange extra-curricular activities for your child

Image shared under CC0

4. Remind your child of the friends he or she will meet

Image shared under CC0

5. Make lunches your child will enjoy

Image shared under CC0

6. Help your child get to bed on time

Image shared under CC0

7. Walk your child to school

Image shared under CC0

8. Tour your child’s school

Image shared under CC0

9. Meet your child’s teacher

Image shared under CC0

10. Help your child find a regular place to study

Case studies

• Read the studies and answer the questions.

Activity 5

Case Study 1

Bethany just returned home from school and was crying because some other children were making fun of her.

What would you do to help her?

Case Study 2

Simbaljeet’s daughter fell asleep 3 times this week while studying.

What could Simbaljeet do prevent this from happening.

Case Study 3

Shamsun’s son started school last week. Since then he has been very quiet, not at all like his usual self.

What should she do?

Case Study 4

Jorge just started grade 6. His parents are upset because he continually watches TV while he is supposed to be studying.

If you were his parent what would you do?

Case Study 5

Olga is in grade 5. She started back at school just 2 weeks ago, but she has already been late 3 times.

What should her parents’ do?

Dictation

• Write what you hear!

Activity 6

Dictation 1

Discuss back to school with your child. Let your child know you are available to discuss his or her feelings.

Dictation 2

Help your child plan some extra-curricular activities at school. Engaging in extra-curricular activities will help your child make new friends. It may also increase your child’s confidence.

Dictation 3

Visiting your child’s school and meeting your child’s teacher is a great way to put her at ease.

Dictation 4

If your child is feeling nervous about school, reassure him. Let him know that his feelings are natural and very common.

Dictation 5

A week before school starts may be a good time to get your child back into a school days routine. You can start by making sure your child goes to bed and wakes up at an appropriate time.

Review: What did you learn today?

• 8 new words

• 10 things you can do to help your child be prepared for school

Thanks for attending.

See you next time!