Originally Posted By spartacus2002:
Looking to reintroduce my kids to private school this Fall. We've had a great run, but they miss being around other kids. There are a couple of great small private schools nearby (one Lutheran, one Catholic). I had planned to send them back to private school eventually prior to high school.
Does anyone have any tips to share for transitioning homeschooled kids back to regular school?
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I don't plan to transition mine, but have seen enough parents to do so.
First, find out what the daily schedules are. Right now start getting your kids in those habits. They may be ahead educationally but unless they had to sit in a desk for set periods of time and go from one class room to another, they may be a little behind.
Second, find out about dress protocols. My kids are young (7, 8) so P.J. day is still exciting. Not saying you didnt, but would start getting them used to having to wear uniforms or at least be dressed by a certain time.
Third, are you driving them to school or does the school have a bus? This does make a difference. My old HS had two buses and they were private. If so, make sure they are used to getting up in time to catch the ride.
Fourth, NOTE TAKING SKILLS ARE A MUST. If they are not used to taking detailed notes and assignment dates, start giving them that lessons now.
Fifth, lunch pepping. They,at least I am guessing, will not be able to get snacks throughout the day (unless needed medically). They can't just run to the lunch room and eat. See when they are scheduled to eat and start restricting them to that time and that length of time.
Sixth, Make sure they have EVERYTHING! It is easier to have your own book than borrow or share with someone because their own is at home on the counter (yes, speaking from experience). This covers many things that may be forgotten.
Seventh, sleep well the night before. Classes are really rough right after lunch.
Eighth, get them used to only the allotted breaks that the schools allow. Also limit their time to the same.
Ninth, also coincide your school calendar with the schools. When they are off, you are. When they are in, you are. This starts to get them geared for it.
I hope these things help. Of course, ymmv from what I have seen, and you may or may not be doing this stuff already. Just some of my observations.
ETA: BE THAT PARENT that KNOWS what your kids are learning, what they are hearing, what they are being taught and what they are doing, who their friends are, where they are going, etc.
Too many times, and I am not saying this is you, the parents just drop off their kids and there is no interest, communication, involvement or leading of any kind. They just let the kids flounder and wonder what happened and why their kids screwed up.