Whether they’re stepping out in expensive name-brand shoes endorsed by some mega-star athlete or wearing a pair of beat up hand-me-downs from an older sibling, back to school is all about getting started on the right foot.
With the average American household spending just over $450 on back-to-school clothing and supplies, this certainly isn’t an inexpensive time of year — especially in a region struggling through a prolonged economic downturn. Fortunately, many of the essentials for back to school won’t break the family budget.
In fact, learning can begin long before children actually set foot in the classroom and turn their attention to the teacher. Students who comprehend a few simple ground rules are destined to move to the head of the class:
Number one: The role of authority figure in the classroom has already been filled — it belongs to the teacher. The kids who lack this basic understanding face numerous challenges throughout their educational journey.
Number two: Rule one also applies to the bus driver on the school bus. Kids need to be taught that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. While assuring safe transit is the responsibility of the driver, it’s the obligation of the passenger not to create any disruption that might compromise the safety of others.
Number three: By establishing guidelines for the myriad of things that vie for student’s attention including homework, bedtime, television and Internet access, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, parents can proactively avoid any number of battles later on. As the pace quickens and families shift gears to incorporate even more into their already busy lives, a little planning and a bit of communication will assure that kids will transition smoothly through this back-to-school season.
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