When you think of back-to-school time, what comes to mind? Besides the reminder that summer will be ending soon, the first thing I think about is shopping for school clothes and school supplies. That’s what the TV commercials promote, right? There are sales and more sales, which is not a bad thing.
But there are many ways parents can prepare for their child’s return to school besides shopping! Dads can and should play a significant role in their child’s educational development. Even if mom does most of the heavy lifting, by working together, there are things dad can do to maximize the effort to make back-to-school time and the entire school year great.
Preparation Should be More than Shopping
Here are some ideas, dads:
Routine and Sleep:
- Adjust Your Child’s Sleep Schedule: Slowly shift bedtime and wake-up times a week or two beforehand to ease everyone back into the school year routine.
- Practice the Morning Routine: Run through a “dry run” of the morning routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing a lunch, and getting out the door on time.
Organization and Planning:
- Gather Information: Find out the school start date, pick-up and drop-off times, important dates, and any school supply lists.
- Prepare the Workspace: Set up a dedicated study area with minimal distractions. Stock it with basic supplies like pencils, paper, and a planner.
- Label Everything: Label backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and other belongings to avoid the morning scramble.
- Plan Lunches and Snacks: Discuss healthy lunch and snack options with your child. Prep some lunches and snacks in advance to save time in the mornings.
Additional Idea:
- Talk About the Past Year: Briefly review critical concepts from the previous year to refresh your child’s memory.
Essential Conversations with Your Child
- Reconnect with Friends: Encourage your child to reconnect with classmates now to ease the transition back to school.
- Set Goals: Brainstorm personal and academic goals for the new year.
- Address Anxieties: If your child feels nervous, talk about their concerns and address any underlying worries.
- Make Education a Part of the Culture in Your Home: Talk about the importance of a good education frequently.
Make Learning Fun
Dads can be amazing learning buddies! Here are some ways to make learning fun for your child:
- Read Back-to-School Books: Read fun stories together about the first day of school or starting a new grade.
Turn it into an Adventure
- Science Experiments in the Kitchen: Mix baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy volcano! Explore chemical reactions and density with simple ingredients.
- “Math Walks”: Count cars on a road trip, estimate distances while walking, or compare prices at the grocery store. Everyday tasks can be learning opportunities.
- History through Games: Build a mini-castle together and learn about medieval times. Have a Roman chariot race in the backyard with cardboard boxes.
- Backyard “Dig”: Learn about archeology by burying some “treasures” in the backyard. Let your child create a map and “unearth” them.
Make it Active and Engaging
- Read Aloud with Voices: Give characters in books different voices and sound effects. Make it silly and engaging!
- Flashcard Games: Instead of rote memorization, turn flashcards into a scavenger hunt or a game of charades.
- Building Projects: LEGO sets, forts made of pillows, or building a model solar system – create and learn together.
- Board Games with a Twist: Use board games related to the topic being learned. Make up your own questions or challenges as you play.
Connect it to their Interests
- Learn about their Favorite Athletes: Research their stats, training routines, and historical figures in their sport.
- Books about their Hobbies: Find books about dinosaurs, robots, or whatever sparks their curiosity.
- “Jobs” for Kids: Let them help with fixing things, cooking dinner, or planning a family outing. They’ll learn practical skills while having fun.
- Learn Together: Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? Doing it together can be a fun bonding experience.
Remember
- Be Enthusiastic: Your own excitement about learning is contagious!
- Focus on the Process: Let your child explore and discover rather than focusing on getting the “right” answer.
- Keep it Short and Sweet: Young children have short attention spans. Break down learning into small, manageable chunks.
- Celebrate the Wins: Acknowledge their effort and progress, no matter how small.
- Learn Together: Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? Doing it together can be a fun bonding experience.
By making learning fun and engaging, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of learning!
Don’t Be a Stranger at the School
- Volunteer at School: Investigate volunteering opportunities at your child’s school.
- Connect with Teachers: Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers before school starts, if possible.
- Get to know other students in your child’s classroom.
- Introduce yourself to the other parents.
- Show up at school events: When possible, take time off to attend school events, especially if your child is participating. Not only sports!
- Join the parent-teacher group.
Help with Homework
Here are some essentials for dads to know to help with homework:
It’s About Support, Not Solutions
- Guiding Over Doing: Your role is to guide your child, not do the homework for them. Ask questions, help them brainstorm ideas, and point them toward resources.
- Focus on Understanding: Help them grasp the concepts rather than just getting the answers right.
Be Patient and Encouraging
- Respect Their Frustration: Homework can be tough. Acknowledge their feelings and offer encouragement.
- Celebrate the Effort: Let them know you’re proud of their hard work, not just perfect grades.
Communication and Collaboration
- Talk to the Teacher: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the teacher if you have questions about assignments or teaching methods.
- Work with Your Partner: Coordinate homework routines and expectations with your co-parent or partner for a consistent approach.
Finding the Right Approach
- Learn Their Learning Style: Some kids learn best visually, others by doing. Tailor your approach to their strengths.
- Make it Age-Appropriate: Homework expectations will vary greatly between elementary school and high school. Be flexible and adjust your support accordingly.
Additional Tips
- Create a Homework Routine: Establish a dedicated homework time and space with minimal distractions.
- Break it Down: Help them break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks for a snack or some physical activity to help them stay focused.
- Be a Resource: Help them find resources like online tutorials, library books, or flashcards.
Remember, the most important thing is to create a positive and supportive learning environment. You can help your child succeed in school by being patient, encouraging, and involved.
In Conclusion
Focusing on these areas can help your child feel organized, prepared, and excited about the upcoming school year! Your engagement in their school and your support of their educational development throughout the academic year will inspire them to excel.
Instruction from the Holy Scriptures
As the LORD is pictured as a gentle shepherd in how He cares for His people, let us fathers likewise shepherd our children with tenderness and compassion.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. – Isaiah 40:11
About the Author
Eli Williams is a father, grandfather, and father figure to many. He and his wife Judy have served in community outreach ministry since the late 1980s and founded Urban Light Ministries in 1995. Eli has been a professional fatherhood practitioner since 2008 and is an ordained Christian minister helping to pastor New Hope Church in Springfield, Ohio. Reverend Williams authored Father Love—The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs in 2016.
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