September marks the biggest transition of the year for students, and while the switch from endless summer nights to six hours days in the classroom is never painless for them, or their families, some local parents shared their own tips for making back to school time a little smoother.

Audrey Smith, vice-president of Spectrum community school PAC, said that one of the first steps should be physical preparation. For elementary students, this means buying and labeling school supplies. For middle and high school students, this means going over reading lists. Going over supplies and books also helps get students into a school mindset. Reading lists for most ministry-mandated courses are available online at each schoolB次元官网网址檚 website.

Kyla Ward, a director of the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (VCPAC), said that the best way for a parent to prepare their child for school is to ask questions about what theyB次元官网网址檙e wondering.

B次元官网网址淛ust to clear up any concerns we (parents) donB次元官网网址檛 often get answers from kids unless we ask open-ended questions,B次元官网网址� Ward said. B次元官网网址淚f we just give solid info, itB次元官网网址檚 sometimes wrong, and that can leave them disappointed.B次元官网网址�

Sleeping schedule is also important, and though younger kids are may be more influenced by their parentsB次元官网网址� rules, Smith said that teenagers just need to be given a reason to get up early, so its helps to plan activities for the morning.

With younger kids, Ward said that its important to help them deal with things not going exactly as planned, and with the ongoing labour disputes, its unclear if the start of the school year will go as, or when, planned.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 still working on it myself,B次元官网网址� Smith said, B次元官网网址渢o help my own kids be aware of what they are planning on studying and to be ready to do some B次元官网网址榩re-homeworkB次元官网网址� if the semester doesnB次元官网网址檛 start on time. If that happens, they may have to rush through their curriculum, so students whoB次元官网网址檝e already looked ahead are going to be more prepared.B次元官网网址�

Ward said that some parents are talking about different temporary solutions should the strike continue into the school year, but all parents should keep in mind a few things they can do at home.

B次元官网网址淭hat 15 to 20 minutes of home reading a day is key,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淓ngage with kids about their day, have that conversation or dialogue around the dinner table, and look for learning opportunities in everyday activity. If your younger ones are helping you cook, have them measure ingredients out.B次元官网网址�

reporter@vicnews.com