To do: Practice packing a backpack for school
Time: 15 minutes
Materials: Everything you take to school
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Practice packing bags for the first day of school!

Let’s do a test run. If you’ve already started school, you can still encourage your child to independently pack their bags.

For young children: Younger children need step by step guidance, it’s unfair to ask them, “Do you have everything?”. Rather, go one by one, making a game out of it.

If you have your lunchbox, raise your hand!
If you have your nap blanket, rub your belly!
If you have your favorite water bottle, make a slurping sound!

For older children, consistency will help them be successful. For example, if adults pack a lunch, always put the lunchbox in the same place for your child to pack, or grab on their way out the door. Perhaps ask your child a leading question like, “What do you need for school today?” and they can list things off for you.

This type of preparation may seem like overkill for a 3 year old, but just think, when 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade rolls around, they will have the skills needed to keep themselves organized and prepared!

Here’s an activity idea for packing:

Lay out everything you will need for the average school day on the table or floor.
Next, ask your child to find a place in their backpack for that item. Pack everything, just as you would on a regular school day.
End the activity with positive reinforcement. “Goodness! Look at that! We’ve packed everything neatly in your backpack, you will be SO ready for the first day of school. Would you like to try one more time?”

Some days will go smoother than others, but calling upon this exercise will help your child feel confident and prepared.

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