Scholastic Book Clubs • August 21, 2025 Topicsback to school Book Clubs Book Fairs parents September teachers

Tips to Get Your Reader Ready for Back to School!

Summer days are winding down, and that familiar buzz of back-to-school anticipation is in the air. Now’s the time to ease kids into a mindset that’s focused, refreshed, and ready to learn.

Step 1: Reset the Routine

Summer bedtimes may have slipped into “midnight movie marathons”—no judgment here. But a solid sleep schedule helps kids transition smoothly into the school rhythm.

Start small: Shift bedtime and wake-up times by 15 minutes each day
Create rituals: Try wind-down activities like reading or journaling before bed
Consistent mornings: Practice getting up, dressed, and fed on a school-like timeline

Some great bedtime reads

The Perfect Paper Airplane

Jojo vs. Middle School: Team Awkward

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Owl Diaries #21: Eva and the New Teacher

Step 2: Refresh School Supplies

There’s something magical about cracking open a new notebook or choosing the perfect pencil case.

Get your child involved in choosing supplies—they’re more likely to stay organized if they feel ownership
Set up a homework station with good lighting and minimal distractions
Don’t forget reusable water bottles, hand sanitizer, and comfort items like a cozy hoodie

Step 3: Talk About Feelings

Excitement. Nerves. Confusion. Kids often feel it all—and keeping those emotions bottled up can make the transition harder.

Ask open-ended questions: “What are you most looking forward to?” “Is there anything you’re worried about?”
Reassure them that it’s OK to feel unsure and that support is always available
Share your own back-to-school memories, especially the funny or awkward ones!

Great books to deal with emotions

The Kissing Hand

Le bisou secret

Step 4: Boost Learning Confidence

A quick mental warm-up can help kids reconnect with skills they haven’t used in a few months.

Try educational games, apps, or brain teasers
Visit the library to pick out books based on their interests
Ask them to help with age-appropriate tasks like measuring ingredients or calculating totals while shopping

Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind, but with thoughtful preparation, it becomes a launchpad for growth, joy, and new adventures. Here’s to a year full of curious minds, confident smiles, and lots of learning!