School Starts in 1 Month – 10 things to do to be ready if you child has ADHD
1. Review his I.E.P (Individual Educational Plan)
– consider which educational goals have been met and which ones still require accommodation
– meet with school team before school starts – bring last year’s report card, samples of work, discuss what worked last year, discuss goals for this
year and the accommodations required
2. If the child is going to a new school schedule a visit before the first day
– locate his/her classroom, washroom, gym, library, office
– scout out the playground and which door to enter
3. Establish an organizational system
– colour coded binders for each subject. pocket folders for letters to home, homework sheets, completed work, etc.
– day planner
4. Create a home staging area
– near the door, equip it with a table, shelves, cubbies, baskets, whiteboard, etc.
– there should be a place for everything the child needs for school (backpack, homework, notices, lunch, running shoes, etc.)
5. Buy school supplies
6. Plan your child’s after school activities – sports, dance, music, clubs, etc.
7. Homework helper
– decide if your child needs additional academic help and make arrangements now
8. Establish a calendar in a central location that highlights special activities, extra curricular activities, sports schedules, birthday parties,etc
9. Review your child’s medications
– make an appointment with your doctor to discuss med changes that may be needed given the child’s age, size, increasing academic demands
10. Help your child set some learning goals
– ” What do you want to achieve this year?”
– “What are you good at ?”
– “What are your weak areas?”
Preplanning can go a long way to helping your child have a successful school year.