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Back to School Tips!!
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Dear Flylady,
This is not exactly the sort of hint that makes
back-to-school life easier, but it is one that was so
very meaningful to both my DD and me.
Every year, on the first day of school, I wrote her a
note of encouragement, affirmation, and love. I then
tucked it into her book bag or lunch box where I knew
she would find it during the day.
I did this every year, first grade through college.
Even during those teenage years when I was "totally
uncool", she appreciated those notes - and told me so.
BTW, I appreciate the notes of encouragement,
affirmation, and love that you send to all your
FLY-fledglings every day.
Love,
Music City FlyChick
- Kitchener, Ontario - 3 dd's 3 different school for 2004/2005
Primary Grade 4 - Zipper binder with pocket for holding things all in one and compact $9.99 - $15.00
early to bed, early to rise, lay out clothes, check weather network on computer, routines, routines, reading lamp and homework area.
Middle School Grade 6 - routines, riding bike to school, good alarm clock, med size backpack and zippered binder and planner to keep things all in one place
for both these girls sorta like office in a bag with a calendar
Family Calendar bought at Price Club and all school dates, jobs, posted on the calendar at main door they always go in and out of in the kitchen.
Teenager grade 12 has already cleaned up her act since March Break. She painted her room and grew up. decluttered everything wow!!! she is flying. now she has her calendar for work and school and does not like a messy room.
so cool.
Also mom has a large paper clip for trip notices, special lunches,etc near the calendar.
also a jar for extra purse boogie flings of loose change for those $3.00 notices of special things at school.
we also do Send em off Smiling program for children that can't afford new backpacks and supplies for back to school. the girls use their no allowance summer money to purchase things for the backpacks.
thanks flylady and crew.
- This is a homeschooling tip.
I'm using a new curriculum for first grade this year, so I'm letting my 6yo-DS give me some "inservice training" over the summer. We're doing a few lessons in each subject, so that when September comes I'll know what I'm doing! It's so much easier learning this with him one-on-one in the relaxed atmosphere of summer vacation. If I'd waited (procrastinated) till school starts, it would be so much harder to figure it all out with my 2 older kids needing my attention as well (not to mention the preschooler). I think I'm sparing the kids one crabby, overwhelmed mom/teacher this fall!
FlyBaby K. in Maryland
- I am a single mom and for years have started getting ready for fall in June when school is out. The week the kids bring home all their end of the year supplies, we go through them and pitch the used up/worn out/etc, but many times there is a lot of life yet in the backpacks/colored pencils/markers/rulers/pencil boxes. I throw the backpacks in the washer and dryer then hang them, bottom up, with a snap clothes hanger. Usually all that dirt and other stuff comes off and they look brand new. My daughter is getting ready to start her 3rd year on the same backpack! It still is in great shape.
We wipe off the rulers, pencil boxes, sharpen the colored pencils, wipe off the markers and put them in sets in a zip bag. With markers we clean them off, sort out the basic 8 and you are good to go. I have saved a lot of money this way and it is easy to tell what you need to replace when the great sales begin. This all goes in a box in our basement marked "school supplies". I also purchase notebook paper/folders/when they are marked down before school begins and we keep it in there all year. It sure beats the 9 p.m., or 7:30 a.m., panic of "Oh, I need....for school tomorrow!" We go "shopping" in our school box and I really enjoy the fact the paper only cost me 25 cents a pack in August instead of $2.00 in January!
We started this routine when the children started school as little ones; my 14 year old DS and 11 year old DD will tell you getting ready to go back to school is one of their favorite things to do.
- When I go and buy school supplies I usually buy double of what the list says ie 5 notebook folders becomes 10. By Christmas these notebook folders, paper, spiral notebooks are used up or worn out and are no longer on sale. Also a new semister will be starting with new classes so new materials are needed. The only thing I can't keep up with is penciles no matter how many I buy its never enough.
flying in KY
- Dear Flylady,
The most helpful thing I have done to help with the school and activities schedules is a calendar! I update it daily, and as soon as sport schedules are issued. I use colored highlighters to mark each persons activities. That way at a glance I can tell who has something going on each day. I also have separate backpacks for school and sports. That way I know where to stow the spare piece of equipment that I might find around the house, and we rarely leave for a game or practice without the equipment we need.
- hello, FLY crew...
Now that my kids are in middle and high school, we don't need all the crayons and colored pencils, pens, pencils and highlighters that seem to have accumulated in the early years.
So I have set aside "enough" for us and am giving the rest to my kids' favorite elementary teachers since so many kids never seem to have a pen or pencil when they need one.
BEST TIP! buy a few sheets of poster board now so you won't have to try to find some on Sunday night when the project is due tomorrow...I clip mine together with a heavy duty magnet and hang them off the hidden side of the dryer (so they stay flat).
I have been hailed as the hero of the neighborhood for coming up with poster board at a moment's notice.
- Dear Fly Crew,
I'm 22 and I don't have kids, but I read the tips to see if there was anything I could use to get ready for college. I noticed that someone mentioned meeting the school counselors, but no one mentioned the TEACHERS!
Before I started school, both of my parents took me to meet my first grade teacher. We all talked and got to know each other and the teacher showed me around the school. It was SO helpful for me growing up and took away all my first-day fears! It became a tradition, we'd meet my teachers and then have a nice lunch together. They did this with my sister too, only on a different day, so we could each have special mom & dad & me time.
Be sure to call the school first, but none of my teachers ever had a problem with this! In fact, most said that they wished more parents would be so proactive with their child's education.
Good Luck to all you Flying Parents!
Flying to College in VA
- I always make sure my kids have a student planner with enough room on it to write out detailed homework assignments. When I pick the younger ones up from school I can check their planner and see in a glance if they have what they need for their homework. That way if they forgot something at school we are already there and don't have to come back for it.
The older ones are used to it by now and check on their own before leaving school. My 13 year old DS with severe ADD and no medication hasn't forgotten homework materials in two years. With the daily routines he may make it to college yet!
Flybaby in El Centro, CA
- When our son went to college, we put together a list of things he would need to take with him. I thought I would send you a copy in case there were other parents helping an older child to pack. Remember, this list is for a boy - a girl would need additional items, or some changes. Just something to get you started!
College Packing List
COMPUTER
Computer paper, specialty papers
Ink cartridge, spares
Laptop computer
Backpack
Multi-strip outlet
All cables, power cords, CAT 5 cables, printer driver software, CD’s, labeler and labels, diskettes,
electrical ties, software copies, speakers
Mousepad
BEDDING / LINENS
2 pillows / pillowcases
flat and fitted sheets - 2 sets
mattress cover
comforter
towels / washcloths - 4
DESK / SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Narrow rule paper
Notebook
Scratch pads
Post-It notes
Pencils, lead
Pens
Highlighter
Calculator
Ruler
Eraser
Stapler
Tape dispenser
Paper punch
File folders
Stamps, envelopes, paper, address labels, addresses
Dictionary
Books
Bible
TOILETRIES
Soap
Shampoo
Electric shaver or razor and blades
Beard trimmer
Toothbrush / paste
Hair stuff
Dop kit or tote
Contacts stuff, case
Deodorant
Aspirin
Bandaids, Neosporin
Comb
Nail clippers
Q-tips
CLOTHES
Coat
Suit
Dress shoes
Socks
Light jacket
Shorts
Slacks, jeans
T-shirts
Casual shirts
Underwear, undershirts
Gym shorts
Robe
Church clothes
Belts
FOOD
Granola bars
Snacks
Popcorn
Cokes
DOCUMENTS
Registration papers
Orientation papers
Student ID
ROOM STUFF
Fire extinguisher
Jewelry box / jewelry / watch
Floor lamp
Desk lamp
Rug
Padlock / key
Extension cord, 12’
Under-bed box
Push pins
Photos, etc. for bulletin board
Alarm clock
Trash can
Wipe off message board for door
Clothes hangers
Radio, CD’s, instruction manual
Room decorating stuff (posters, pictures, etc.)
Laundry bag
MISC.
Umbrella
Suitcase
Laundry soap / softener
Digital camera, batteries, charger, case
Cell phone, charger, car cord
Wallet
Car keys, spare
Batteries
CAR
Spare tire, jack and lug wrench, jumper cables, oil
Bungie cords
Music CD’s
Blanket
Insurance card
Tools
Atlas
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