Back-to-school time is always exciting but it can also be overwhelming, stressful and expensive. Here are some back-to-school tips to help you, your child or your students navigate the change from lazy summer to full-force fall.
Tax free shopping
For great deals on back to school shopping, don’t forget that Maryland Tax Free week begins Sunday, August 9th–Saturday, August 15th. For families in need, saving that 6% makes a huge difference.
Don’t forget to plan before you shop. Save time by looking online first and making a list.Getting an official list from your child’s school might be best, but here is a very comprehensive list of back-t0-school supplies. Find out exactly what items qualify as tax exempt, here.
To save even more during back-to-school time, check out these 15 money saving tips.
Life Hacks for Teachers
For school teachers, you need all the efficiency and organization tips you can get. With a lot to do and not enough time to do it, these life hacks are exactly what you need to start the year off right.
Must Have Back-to-School Apps for Kids, Parents and Teachers!
Khan Academy. Let your child start the year off strong with Khan Academy, a personalized learning tool for all ages. By making use of video tutorials that kids can replay again and again, Khan Academy is positively impacting the way students learn.
Simple Mind. For students who need help organizing their thoughts an any subject, try Simple Mind, an app to create visual mind maps. This brainstorming tool allows for a more focused and efficient study session.
iStudiez. For students who need a little more structure in their study endeavors, istudiez is the answer. A scheduling tool where you can plan out every second of classes, studying, sports, and any activities that a student might have, iStudiez makes it easy to organize any busy schedule. A plus is that it syncs with your calendar, making it easy to share with friends and parents.
iTeacherBook. An iStudiez affiliate, iTeacherBook is the equivalent organizational tool but geared toward teachers!
For teachers and students, apps that improve learning are becoming part of the classroom experience. Here are 50 teacher recommended classroom apps.
First Day of School for Parents and Kids
The night before. To ensure a great first day, get organized the night before. Make sure all backpacks, school supplies, outfits, etc., are ready to go for the morning.
The day of. Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. Establishing a routine that includes a nutritious breakfast will help students feel energized and ready for this time of transition.
Meet the teacher. Parents, for you and your and child alike, setting aside time to meet the new teacher will provide peace of mind. Don’t forget to attend any back-to-school night or open house. If you can’t meet in person, make contact via email or over the phone.
Ease fears. Many kids are uneasy on the first day of school. Remind your child that they’ll get to see old friends and meet new ones. Go over the syllabus with them so they know what to expect. Let your student help in finding and organizing their school supplies. Find a photo of their new teacher on the school’s website so that they can put a face to the name.
Happy back-to-school!