Back-to-school always comes with a mix of excitement, nerves and a bit of apprehension – for both parents and kids. As a new school year approaches, many children, especially those with developmental challenges, might be feeling a little extra unsure about this big transition.
For the parents and families that we serve, especially in and around the Minooka and Channahon area, making sure that their child is emotionally, socially, and physically prepared for the new school year can sometimes feel overwhelming – and we get that! At Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we know that there can be some very real worry about how your child will maintain skills and continue to make progress through the new school year.
Whether your child is working on speech, motor skills, or social emotional learning, therapy support can play an important role in making this back-to-school transition a bit easier!
We want to share all the ways that our in-home therapy services can support you and your child during this season. We want all kids to start their new year confident, excited, and so ready to take on the new adventures ahead! So let’s get into it…
How Therapy Supports The Back-To-School Transition
Setting realistic goals for the year
The start of the school year is a perfect time to review, update, and set new goals for your child, especially in collaboration with their therapist and school based support team.
When your child starts the year with clear, realistic therapy goals, it not only helps you track their progress but can also provide a bit of structure and focus throughout the school year.
We work closely with families and schools in the Minooka and Channahon areas to help create individualized plans that support a child’s specific needs, strengths and challenges.
For example, if your child has been working on communication skills in speech therapy we may create goals that look like this:
Speech Therapy Goals:
- Initiating conversations
- Using specific vocabulary words
- Following multi-step directions
Setting new, or updating existing therapy goals gives both you and your child a sense of direction and a focused plan for the new school year.
Maintaining Consistency & Routine
Transitions can be especially tough for children with developmental challenges and the return to school after summer break is a big transition!
No matter what kind of therapy your child is receiving – speech, OT, PT, or social work – keeping up with their regular therapy schedule from summer into the school year provides structure, stability, and a sense of familiarity.
Consistency during a transition time can:
– Reduce Anxiety: Predictability and routine help children feel secure, especially during transitions like back-to-school.
– Reinforce Skill Development: Regular practice of the skills learned in therapy prevents regression and makes sure your child continues to make progress.
– Build Confidence: Knowing that therapy routines remain consistent gives your child a sense of control, boosting their confidence to face new challenges at school.
Supporting Overall Social Skills, Communication & Physical Development
Speech & Social Skills
For children with speech and language delays, therapy plays a huge role in building new communication skills and strengthening those skills that have already been acquired.
The social part of a new school year can be pretty scary and overwhelming for kids, so maintaining regular speech therapy sessions will boost confidence and allow your child to make strong connections!
Incorporating Speech Therapy at Home:
- Practicing conversation starters
- Asking open-ended questions
- Providing structured social opportunities like playdates or family activities.
- Discuss possible social situations and appropriate ways to communicate.
Supporting Physical Development and Independence:
For kids with physical challenges – motor skills, coordination, balance, sensory, etc. – occupational and physical therapy are so important.
These therapies help children improve motor skills and gain independence, allowing them to perform daily tasks like writing, navigating the playground and school building, and participating in sports at school. Strengthening these skills also boosts confidence and overall readiness!
Practical Physical Development Strategies:
- Motor planning activities like building with blocks or sorting objects
- Self-help skills like buttoning shirts, tying shoes, and organizing school supplies
- Any activity that requires your child to use their arms, legs, and core muscles to move their body in a coordinated way
Fostering a Positive Mindset & Preparing for the School Year
A Positive Mindset is Everything!
Starting the school year with a positive attitude might be one of the most powerful tools you can have – for both children and parents.
For kids with therapy needs, a positive attitude can make all the difference in the way they approach new challenges, situations, and social interactions. In a therapy setting, we create an environment that focuses on growth, resilience, and self-compassion.
And when that kind of positive mindset is also supported at home, our kids can start this new school year so confident and so ready to take on whatever comes their way!
A Back-to-School Checklist To Get You Ready
To help your child feel more prepared and supported, here’s a simple and supportive back-to-school checklist:
- Review Therapy Goals: Sit down with your child’s therapist to review the goals for the year and how they align with school expectations.
- Create a Routine for Practice: Build time into your schedule to practice skills from therapy at home. Consistency is key to reinforcing learning.
- Prepare for Social Interactions: Use social stories or role-playing to help your child feel more confident in social situations. Encourage positive interactions by practicing greetings and conversation starters.
- Get the School Gear Ready: Pack school supplies and organize their schoolbag the night before, making sure your child has everything they need for a successful school day.
- Mindfulness Practices: Consider incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness or relaxation into your child’s routine before school. Simple deep breathing or visualization exercises can help calm any anxiety they might feel about the day.
As we head back-to-school, remember to approach this new year with the same positivity and excitement you want your child to feel.
When you show enthusiasm, resilience, and patience, your child is more likely to do the same – making the transition into a new school year much easier for everyone! Spend the coming weeks working with your child, and their therapist, to set realistic goals, reinforce skills at home, and cultivate that positive attitude.
If you’re in the Minooka or Channahon area and are looking for pediatric therapy services, or just need advice on how to help your child make the most of the school year, don’t hesitate to reach out to Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists.
We’re here to provide personalized, compassionate in-home therapy support to you and your child. Let’s get everyone set for success – both in and out of the classroom.
Reach out to us today! We’re so excited to support you!