After a long vacation away from the routine of school it may take some time to adjust to a regular weekday schedule, especially for your child with learning disabilities.

I found it helpful to have some dress rehearsals before the real first day of classes. This could involve a trip to the new classroom to look around and note where the doors are, how to walk to the rest room if it is not in the classroom, how to get to the classroom from the drop off point at the school.

If possible, it would make the first day go more smoothly if you and you child have met his new teacher and aide before classes begin. This is a time to point out any special requirements or quirks you think may be helpful for the classroom staff to know.

One thing I always told the new teacher at the beginning of the year was that I was an interested parent and could be called at any time about issues or concerns. I think that was helpful in getting us off to a good start each year.

I actually enjoyed getting to know the teacher and soon learned what the general expectations were for the students in the classroom to meet. In that way I could be more supportive and understanding when the invariable issues arose, academically or socially.

I also introduced myself and child to the school secretary, so she'd be able to put an adult face with my child. This was another rapport that was important over the school years.

Back to getting ready for that big first day - I went to the classroom door and said my good byes to my child, letting him know I'd be back when the school day ended. Yes, sometimes when I turned away from his scared or teary face I too had a tear in my eye, but I kept going on my way back to the car.

New beginnings and partings are such a regular occurrence in life that if I had broken down facing my child at these new beginnings I think he would have had a harder time adjusting.

Another way to prepare for the new school year is to plan for an annual school supplies and perhaps clothes shopping trip. Let your child have a say in new purchases so he sees that his ideas are respected. If you have to buy sturdy jeans let him pick out the color or style.

We also kept to a ritual of buying a new backpack before school began. So, even though the classroom and teacher may change year to year, these ritual preparations can be the same year to year, lending a feeling of sameness and continuity to the child's routine.

Be prepared for some pre-first day jitters, maybe in your child and you the parent. The excitement of beginning anew each year is an opportunity for your child to put their best foot forward with your encouragement and backup support.

Article by Susan Kramer

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