Parenting Pointers: PBS Kids Back to School

I'd like to share some information from the PBS Kids back-to-school newsletter. If you haven't visited the website, it's got lots of great information for parents and activities for kids.

Starting the school year can be a time of great excitement... and anxiety. Help calm your child's fears with these teacher-approved hints that will get everyone ready for the big day:
- Ease into the routine. The start of a new year can be stressful - practice your routine a few days in advance.
- Ask your child compelling questions. Specific questions help children picture what school will be like.
- Describe what will happen on the first day. This will help ease nervousness or confusion
- Tool up. Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip, letting your child pick out a few special items.


For more helpful tips, visit PBS Parents. And check out the new Back to School channel on the PBS Kids GO! Video Player for curriculum-based clips from ARTHUR, THE ELECTRIC COMPANY, MAYA & MIGUEL and more to foster learning!


Here are some suggestions from PBSPARENTS.org to keep the literacy learning going even out of the classroom.
- Create a cozy, comfortable reading space with your child. Set rules for this area in your home to maintain peaceful reading.
- Let your kids catch you reading. Talk about what you read in newspapers, books, and magazines with your children so they understand the importance of reading.
- Encourage your child to read aloud at home. Your child will learn to read with expression and understanding while sharing stories with you – and siblings and grandparents, too!
- A trip to the grocery store can reinforce reading skills. Have your child write the grocery list, find the items using the store's signs, and read product labels — you can also encourage healthy eating.

Check out PBSKIDS.org for more activities, tips and experiments from your favorites PBS KIDS shows!