It’s that time of year again: when pencils, folders, and backpacks line store shelves; teachers prepare their classrooms and lesson plans; and kids everywhere start counting down the last days of summer vacation.

Love it or hate it, the first day of school is right around the corner.  Which makes now the perfect time to help ensure your children get off to the best possible start.  Here are some tried and true suggestions on how to accomplish that goal:

• Don’t wait until the night before opening day to reimpose school year sleep time. Start cutting back gradually so required bed time won’t come as a complete shock.
• Use what’s left of summer to visit a museum or engage in another pro-learning activity or two.
• Take time to prepare your anxious children for school. Take a tour of the school, meet the teacher and practice pick up and drop off procedures.
• Provide a quiet and distraction free area for homework. An older child might do well in a bedroom while a younger child might prefer the kitchen table where you can help when needed.
• Designate a spot for lunch bags, back packs, sports, and music equipment. Fewer items will be misplaced or get lost that way.
• Designate a spot for all school paperwork, including what your kids bring home in their backpacks. Also, print the school calendar to keep track of events, holidays, and other information.
• Create and share a set of ground rules on time allotted for TV, electronics, homework, and more.
• It’s also a good idea to take your child in for a physical and an eye exam before school starts. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations, and you may be asked to provide paperwork showing that your child has all the necessary shots and vaccines.

Also, take a good close look at your kids’ probable homework areas, especially if your child is advancing to a higher grade level.  Does it have enough electrical outlets for a computer, printer, and desk lamp.  Could that area benefit from an overhead light and a dedicated wall switch?

If you find areas for improvement, you’ll find Excel Electric ready and able to provide all the assistance you need. Contact us any time and let us know how we can help.