Welcome! Recently I wrote a Back to School article for the PJ Library (RI)/Jewish Voice and Herald. In this blog I have listed many helpful websites related to Back to School issues.
Back to School Books
For children’s librarians “Back to School” means constant requests for the perfect “going to school” book: We want books about separation, making friends, dealing with new situations. Do you have books that will help our family with the feelings of anticipation, excitement and dread? This list includes two books for preschoolers with the theme of separation anxiety (the children’s and the parents’) For first and second graders, two very different alphabet books and an absurd tale. For those middle aged kids, third through sixth grade, a classic, an early chapter book, and a “starting at a new school” story. Lisa Von Drasek, Bank Street Library Children's Librarian. http://streetcat.bankstreet.edu/html/backtoschool.html
Another helpful list with emotional insight. http://childrensbooks.about.com/library/weekly/aa080501a.htm
from the prestigious Horn Book, publication http://www.hbook.com/resources/books/monthly/aug07.asp
from Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. a site with activities and more. http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/bookzone/btsbooklist_6-8.htm
an extensive list from the Allen County Public Library http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/school.html
School Readiness
School readiness is more complex than sex and chronological age. It is also not simply being able to recite numbers, letters, shapes,and colors. School readiness is a constellation or combination of many factors. Few children are complete ready or not ready for kindergarten, and most will fall somewhere in between on a continuum of readiness. from University of Minnesota Center for Early Education and Development
http://childparenting.about.com/cs/k6education/a/schoolreadiness.htm
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/CEED/publications/questionsaboutkids/kindergarten.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/strategies-for-starting-school-is-my-child-ready-for-school-or-not-374855.html
http://www.babycenter.com/0_kindergarten-readiness-is-your-child-ready-for-school_67232.bc
http://www.drpaul.com/behaviour/schoolreadi.html
Back to School Shopping-Savings
Tips on how you can save money when shopping for back-to-school supplies.
Top ten tips: http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/back-to-school/57907.html?detoured=1
Coupons, discounts and promotion codes
http://www.retailmenot.com/coupons/backtoschool
http://www.consumersavvytips.org/coupon_codes_for_back_to_school.html
Retail stores: http://www.bfreedom.com/back-school-sales-2009/
Sleep Routines
Sleep is one of the most important requirements in early childhood development. It is important to understand your child's changing sleep needs and habits as they grow. from Sleep for Kids
A great site http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/habits.html
More information about children and sleep http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/sleep.html#
Bedtime routines http://www.essortment.com/all/bedtimeroutine_rkxf.htm
Suggested bedtime books http://www.windowsill.net/sleepy.html
Breakfast Time
Breakfast has plenty of bragging rights. It provides key nutrients, may help kids do better in school and may promote a healthy weight. But many adults and kids skip breakfast because of the morning time crunch. Break the breakfast time barrier and reap the benefits with these tips. from Kellogg
Routines http://www.kelloggnutrition.com/weekly-nutrition/post/Break-the-Breakfast-Time-Barrier!.aspx
Guide to manging the morning rush http://recipes.kaboose.com/breakfast-morning-dressing-children.html
Great recipes-try the Bagel Critter! http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/family/specialfeature/backtoschool_start_sf/
Lunch-Recipes and more
So, you pack your child's lunch, diligently balancing the healthy offerings. But, how to you know it's not ending up in the trashcan in the cafeteria? One of the most obvious points is to not only know, but acknowledge the tastes of your child. If Johnny won't eat carrots at home, he's certainly not going to eat them at school. Ask your child what he/she would like for lunch, and let them get involved in the planning and packing process. Plan lunches in advance, and preferably pack them up the night before, if possible.
from about.com
Great tips, a psychology points and recipes
http://homecooking.about.com/od/specificdishes/a/lunchboxgoodies.htm
Brown bag suggestions http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastrecipes/a/brownbaglunch.htm
Yummy lunchbox treats http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/kids/feature/famf98lunchtogo/famf98lunchtogo.html
A review of kosher food http://kosherfood.about.com/
Kosher food symbols http://kosherfood.about.com/
Kosher recipes for kids book: Kosher by Design Kids in the Kitchen http://www.amazon.com/Kosher-Design-Kitchen-Susie-Fishbein/dp/1578190711