Many schools provide a list of supplies to buy. Talk to your child, then make a shopping list.

Before clothes shopping, have your kids try on clothes you think will fit. Then create a shopping list, and with older kids, a budget.

Check for back-to-school sales and coupons

Composition books, notebooks, binders, ruled paper, construction paper, dividers, pencil pouch, pocket folders, file folders

Pens, pencils, crayons, pencil box, pencil sharpener, highlighters, eraser

Glue, scissors, ruler, hole punch, dictionary, thesaurus, calculator, protractor

Umbrella, raincoat, jacket, heavy coat, lunch box, lunch bag, gym gear, uniform, shoes, snow boots

Backpack. It should be lightweight with two wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist belt and multiple compartments to distribute weight. For backpack safety tips, see www.aap.org/publiced/
BR_Backpack.htm

Exams
If your school requires a completed medical form, make a doctor’s appointment. Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.

If your child hasn’t had a recent visual exam, schedule one.

Transport
If your child rides the bus, make sure you know the schedule.

If your child walks to school or a significant distance to the bus stop, practice the route and discuss safety issues, such as street-crossing.

For bike-riders, make sure the
helmet still fits and the bike is in good condition with a horn or bell.

If you carpool, now’s the time to nail down organizing details.

Habits
At least a week before school starts, adjust bedtime. Practice straightening up, putting out clothes and gathering supplies and homework. Then use a bath, reading or soft music for a calming time, free of TV and video games.

Practice getting up early for school. If your child has trouble waking up, buy an alarm clock or a timer to turn on a bedside lamp before wake-up time.

Discuss when homework will be done each day

Create a study space with good lighting, free of distractions. If there’s no drawer for supplies, provide a basket or container.

Tip: Use cool tools such as colorful pencils or fun folders to make the space cheerful.

Contacts and Care
Learn your child’s schedule, teacher’s name and (if available) e-mail address, school emergency numbers and policies on absence, illness and discipline.

Find out if there’s an open house before school begins, for you and your child to meet the new teacher and visit the classroom.

Make an illness and school-closure contingency plan. Who will the school nurse call if you’re not home? Who will care for your child in the event of illness?

Confirm sitting, child care or extended school day arrangements, including payment.

Organization
Set up a space where the kids can leave paperwork that requires your signature.

Consider setting up a three-ring binder, split into sections for each child. Use it to store handouts, reminders and important information, such as school contacts, menus and calendars.

Clear clutter. Go through closets and set aside old items for give-away. Working with your child, organize storage and purge old supplies and toys.

Etcetera
Write your child’s name in indelible ink or sew nametags on mats, supplies, lunchbox and clothing likely to be taken off during the day.

Set up a family calendar for practices, holidays and days off.