Once August rolls around, the back-to-school countdown inevitably begins. Kids dread saying goodbye to the lazy days of summer. Ease them into the new school-year mindset by getting organized early. This back to school checklist can help.

What’s On the Back-to-School Checklist?

This comprehensive checklist covers everything from school supplies and transportation, to gradually shifting bedtimes and setting homework routines. Incorporate these activities into your summer routine so you can start the school year feeling prepared — and manage back-to-school anxiety.

Make Shopping for School Supplies Fun

Kids usually enjoy the annual trip to the store to buy school supplies. Start a back-to-school tradition and make it a special outing. Combine school supply shopping with a stop at one of the kid-friendly brunch spots in Philly. 

Elementary School Supplies

For elementary schoolers, start with a sturdy backpack. Schools usually post classroom supply lists over the summer. Check with the teacher to find out what is essential and purchase those items first. Take a wait-and-see approach for the more frivolous-seeming items. Then let your child organize their backpack with their supplies so it’s ready for the first day of school. 

Middle and High School Supplies 

For middle and high schoolers, a large, sturdy backpack is essential. Additionally, start them off with a few basics: a notebook for each class, pencils, and pens. Oftentimes, it makes sense to wait for the first day of school to find out what each teacher recommends for their students. 

Get Kids Familiar With School and After-Care Transportation

Getting kids ready to go back to school in Philadelphia includes lining up your child’s transportation to and from school. Some city kids walk to school, some ride a bus or take SEPTA, and some ride in a carpool. For working parents, that might also include finding after school programs in Philadelphia with school pickup.

Whatever your child’s school day transportation looks like, get them familiar with the routine ahead of time. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the school before the first day. Drive the bus or carpool route. And visit the after care program before the first day of school, so your child knows what to expect. 

Shop for New School Duds 

The promise of a pair of new sneakers and some new clothes can usually elicit a little excitement for the new school year. 

Whether your child is into clothes or not, plan a special day that involves more than just shopping. Make the most of a late summer day with a trip to a Philly sprayground or cap off the day with a round of miniature golf. 

Make Lunchbox Decisions

Start off the new school year with healthy lunch ideas. Start with small changes that you can feel good about. 

As you go through your back-to-school checklist, consider whether to buy a new lunchbox. If last year’s lunchbox is still in decent shape, make a sustainable choice and let your child re-use it.

Set a Back-to-School Homework Schedule 

For young elementary school children, establishing a simple homework routine builds good study habits. Set a consistent daily time and create a quiet, distraction-free space for reading and assignments.

For middle and high school students, designate a set time for homework before the school year begins. Older students benefit from structured homework schedules. Start with one-to-two hours in the afternoon or evening. Then make adjustments as your child gets a handle on the levels of homework and study needed for school success.

Prepare A Study Space 

Does your child have a designated study space? Decide ahead of time whether your child works at the dining table or seated at their own desk. Spend an afternoon with your child clearing clutter and getting organized. 

Your child’s study space will likely shift throughout the school year, but identify an ideal study space as you go through your back-to-school checklist.

Transition to an Earlier Bedtime 

Don’t wait until the night before the first day of school to make the switch to an earlier bedtime. Give them a week or two to gradually get back to a school-year bedtime routine. 

If your child is still wide awake at the earlier bedtime, take the opportunity to encourage reading. Visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to stock up on some books they’ll enjoy during their bedtime reading sessions. 

Set Boundaries for School-Year Screen Time

Limiting your child’s screen time may require commitment and diligence, but health experts say it’s worth it. 

Less screen time helps children develop better focus and improved sleep quality, which is essential for learning and memory. What’s more, without screens, children can engage in physical activities and spend time with friends – in person. 

Here are some basic recommendations for amounts of screen time by age group:

• Elementary school children should have 1-2 hours of recreational screen time on weekdays. 
• Middle and high school students can handle 2-3 hours, but homework should take priority. 

All devices should be turned off at least one hour before bedtime.

Ready, Set, School

As summer winds down, follow this back-to-school checklist to help your family transition into school-year routines. Taking time to prepare supplies, schedules, and study spaces reduces first-day stress for everyone and helps kids feel confident and ready.