Can you believe summer is already winding down? Hot, humid days will soon give way to crisp mornings and the return of Fall jackets and cozy sweaters. Many people will appreciate the break from the heatwaves. It isn’t just cooler days approaching, however. Children all over the country are bracing themselves for back-to-school season, and everyone has mixed feelings about it. Parents may be overjoyed about the idea, but children tend to be less enthusiastic. However, with the right preparation, you can help your child adjust to this transition and maybe even have a little fun during the process.
Start By Establishing Routines Again
The first step is to try to mentally prepare your child for the idea of going back to class. They’ve had two months of non-stop leisure time, and a sudden return to a strict routine could be jarring. You can start slowly by reestablishing earlier bedtimes so that the little ones can wake up easily on the first day of school. This means fewer late-night movies and perhaps adding a winddown routine at the end of the day.
Now is the time for high school and college students to consider what elective courses they should take. Creating a vision for their future can make them feel more positive about returning to school and less wistful about the end of summer.
Every child is unique and will have different feelings about the upcoming season. Extroverted children may be ecstatic at the prospect of seeing their friends again, enjoying new experiences, and meeting their teachers. Others will feel full of anxiety about whether or not they will fit in or get good grades.
Reviewing your new daily routine may help, especially if a child will be attending a new school. If a child will be taking the bus, walk them to the bus stop the first few times and tell them step-by-step what they can expect. The fewer unknowns your child faces, the more confident they will be.
A fun and educational activity might be just what your tween or teenager needs to get back into a learning state of mind. Why not try one of our TEDx Collingwood events?
Back To School Shopping
Shopping for back-to-school is the best part of the whole event for many children. Who doesn’t love an outing with Mom or Dad and getting new things? Unfortunately, back-to-school shopping isn’t always easy on your budget. Creating a plan now will help you avoid the temptation to overspend once you hit the stores. Start by going through and seeing what you already have that is in good condition from last year.
It might be helpful to make a list with two columns, one for “Already Have” and another for “Need to Get.” If money is tight, you can add a third column about when you will need each item.
For example, you may need a winter coat, but you have a few months before it becomes critical. Second-hand stores are also an excellent way to get more for less. Plus, you can often find unique, hard-to-find outfits and accessories that no one else will have!
The following checklist can help you stay organized:
- Indoor running shoes
- Warm clothes
- Winter boots
- Raincoat
- Gym clothes
- Lunch bag
- Lined paper
- Blank paper
- Notebooks
- Rulers
- Erasers
- Pencils
- Pens
- Geometry set
- Back Pack
Children love living in Collingwood because there is so much to do and so many adventures to enjoy! Find out more right here.
New To The Area?
Collingwood and the surrounding areas are served by the Simcoe County District School Board. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to register your child for school as soon as possible.
Below is a list of schools in the area:
- Admiral Collingwood Elementary School,15 Dey Drive
- Cameron Street Public School, 575 Cameron St.
- Connaught Public School, 300 Peel St.
- Mountainview Elementary School, 300 Spruce St.
- Collingwood Collegiate Institute (Secondary School), 6 Cameron St.
French As A Second Language Programs
Simcoe County offers two French as a Second Language (FSL) options. The core program is offered from Grades 4 to 12. It includes up to 200 minutes of French instruction every week, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
The French Immersion program begins in Grade 1 and is an excellent way to teach your child to speak a second language fluently. Being bilingual may open up many opportunities for your child later in life!
Want to know more about your new home? Check out some of our community guides right here.
Summer Is Ending, But The Fun Is Just Beginning
Children often feel sad when summer ends. Soon, they’ll have homework, tests, pop quizzes, and responsibilities again. You can help them by focusing on the many things they still have to look forward to.
After all, Collingwood is the ultimate four-season destination for a reason. There is always something fun and exciting happening. Here are just a few examples:
- The October Blue Mountains Apple Harvest
- Keleher+Co.’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 24th.
- The Scenic Caves of Collingwood – just waiting to be explored
- A giant, 5000 square-foot indoor playground
- Countless parks, hiking trails and green spaces to run and play in
And don’t forget, Halloween is around the corner to provide spooky fun and the chance to feast on candy. Winter adventures will soon follow, including snowshoeing, skiing, tobogganing, and building snow forts. With so much to do all year long, it’ll seem like next summer is here before you even know it.
Looking for your new home in Collingwood? Check out our featured listings.
