Back-to-School Tips to Build Language and Confidence

The start of a new school year brings new teachers, new classmates, new routines, and plenty of excitement. While these changes can be fun, they can also feel overwhelming for children. The good news? A little preparation can help ease anxiety while creating opportunities to build language and communication skills.

Here are a few simple ways to help your child get ready for the school year.

Make school something to look forward to

Talk with your child about what makes school exciting. Discuss all the things they’ll learn, the friends they’ll make, and the fun they’ll have on the playground. Positive conversations help build confidence and create excitement for the first day.

Visit the school ahead of time

If possible, visit the school before classes begin. Show your child where they will enter the building, point out important areas, and let them become familiar with their surroundings. If they’ll ride the bus, visit the bus stop together and talk about bus safety and why those rules are important.

Use photos to encourage conversation

Take photos during back-to-school preparations, such as visiting the school, meeting friends, or picking up supplies. Print a few favorites or create a small photo book. Looking through photos together encourages conversation, builds vocabulary, and helps children become more comfortable with new routines.

Practice time and routines

Calendars are a great way to teach concepts like today, tomorrow, weekdays, and weekends. Let your child cross off each day leading up to the first day of school. Visual schedules and planners can also help children understand what to expect and stay organized throughout the school year.

Build vocabulary during everyday activities

Shopping for school supplies is a great opportunity to strengthen language skills. Ask open-ended questions about the items you’re buying.

For example:

• What do we use crayons for?
• Why do we use a backpack?
• Can you name three things that go inside your backpack?

You can also review important personal information, including your child’s full name, birthday, parents’ names, and home address.

Preparing for a new school year doesn’t have to be stressful. By talking, exploring, and learning together, you can help your child feel confident and ready for a successful start to the school year.

Pam Hosterman, Director of Speech-Language Pathology