How to Prepare for Elementary School (As a Parent!)

mom and daughter going to school; text: preparing for elementary school as a first time parent

Sending your children off to elementary school for the first time? Don’t panic- we’ve got the tips you need to help you learn how to prepare for elementary school as a parent to make the start of the school year go as smoothly as possible.

The first day of school is always daunting, no matter how old your kids are. But that FIRST first day of elementary school? Well, that’s a whole other level of stress.

It can be incredibly hard to send your children to elementary school for the first time. There are so many things to buy, prep, and get ready for.

Luckily, we have a LOT of experience in that department. As a Transitional Kindergarten teacher (and mom of two elementary students!) I know exactly what it takes to get through the first weeks of school with as little chaos as possible.

Let’s get started, and I’ll walk you through the whole process of how to prepare for elementary school as a parent.

mom and daughter walking to school; text: preparing for elementary school as a first time parent

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Alertness

They give out awards for EVERYTHING these days...but this one takes the cake. Read what we're celebrating now, at thesaltymamas.com. #snowflakes #classawards #kindergarten

From an early age, I have always been both a teacher’s pet and an overachiever. I passed all the tests. I got all the awards. I always often came in first.  For years, I’ve eagerly been awaiting my own kids’ turn. I told myself that I wouldn’t be pushy, wouldn’t assume my kid would be the best and the brightest, and was determined to let her go her own way. When the first few award ceremonies went by and Lila didn’t get an award, I tried my best to shrug it off. That’s okay! Everyone can’t get an award, or they would be meaningless!  I mean, she has her moments, but she is fiery and passionate and smart and funny and AWESOME. Her day will come!

And today, when I opened up her homework folder and saw that slip of fancy copy paper, with the hint of a fancy border showing- well, I just knew. Our Her day had finally come.

“Congratulations! Your child has been selected to receive an award. Please join us for a ceremony on Tuesday, as Lila is recognized for… Alertness.”

I’ve never been so proud confused.

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Cheap and Easy Class Gifts

class gift ideas for students, preschool gift ideas

Need some cheap and easy class gift ideas for students? Whether you’re looking for kindergarten or preschool class gifts, we’ve got you covered with these fun (and simple!) ideas.

You think you’re done with your holiday prep. You’ve baked. You’ve shopped. You’ve even wrapped. You have done the impossible- you’ve finished Christmas a full week ahead of time. You pat yourself on the back for a job well done and prepare yourself for a blissful evening drinking a glass of wine and watching “Love Actually” one more time.

And then you get a sweet little note from your child’s lovely teacher (and I mean that. She is SO wonderful), asking that you send twenty identical kindergarten class gifts to school the day after tomorrow. And since said teacher is seriously SO wonderful, you decide to oblige her one last request.

I mean, you cry first, of course. But then you get to brainstorming.

So, if you’re like us and find yourself with one more twenty little preschool class gifts to buy, might we suggest a few ideas for class gifts for students…

A bundle of cinnamon stick a pinecone and a pair of scissors next to felt. Text overlay: The best cheap and easy class gifts.

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A Teacher Gift You Should Start on NOW

No matter where you are in the school year, I’m sure the pressure is on. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day to day that you forget to prep for the big events ahead.  End of year teacher gifts are FAR off of our radar. We are miles away from Teacher Appreciation Week (which, WHOA. Could we possibly make that a bigger deal? I don’t think so.) The last days of school? Please. Let’s just get through Back to School Night first, am I right?

My teacher has a voice like a buffalo

Except on the first day of school last year, when I asked Lila how her first day of school was, she said “I need three popsicles. And a nap.” The second day, she said, “When Mrs. D gets mad, she sounds like a buffalo. It’s AWESOME!” I made a mental note to tell her teacher about it, but frankly, there just isn’t that much time to touch base every day. And let’s be honest. My memory ain’t so good these days.

Looking for a printable teacher gift with WOW factor? You've come to the right place! Get your FREE printable teacher gift at TheSaltyMamas.com. #teachergift #printableteachergift #kidsschoolquotes #schoolquotes #kidsquotes

I spent many years as a teacher, and I’m sure my students must have come home with some whoppers about me. Hearing Lila’s version of events made me think about all the funny/silly/sweet things my students must have told their parents about me and my classroom. I desperately wished I could have heard what those things were. (I mean, the nice things, of course. I’m not a glutton for punishment. I don’t want to hear about how the kid said I’m a monster, obviously.)

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