It’s officially five more days until HJ begins 1st grade. Coming to this moment has been somewhat of a tumultuous journey, considering that we had wanted to hold her back two years ago before she entered kindergarten. But because she receives special education services from the public school and has an IEP (individualized education plan), our school district strongly encouraged us to have her begin kindergarten on time (even with her late summer birthday).

Then, this past year, we made another go of holding her back. She was doing well in kindergarten, but still not reading and still behind her general education peers. I thought that another year of kindergarten in a general education class might be the best transition. Despite our efforts to convince the district to allow HJ to have another year of kindergarten, they basically said that was not their policy and refused our request. Long story short, we even hired a lawyer to make our case, but in the end, we had to give in since the school was the one giving her the services.

And this is all to say, I didn’t really want her to start first grade this year.

Nevertheless, here we are. Five days before school. And now it’s time for me to put on a brave face and show my daughter that she is ready for this big step. It’s time for me to do whatever I can to help her be prepared.

It’s a good thing we get lots of practical advice from HJ’s counselors and therapists. Otherwise, I would be living in denial and it would be the night before the first day of school, and I would suddenly be saying, “Oh my god, what have I forgotten to do?”

Here are five easy tips that I’m rapidly trying to implement before school begins next week. Five because we have five days left. And easy because that’s about all we have the time and energy for now.

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#5 – The Back to School Countdown on the Calendar

We’ve had this Melissa and Doug magnetic calendar for a while now, but it was time to dust it off and get it ready for the new school year. HJ loves putting the magnets on for the month, and talking about what’s coming up each day. It definitely helps with her anxiety and reinforces the basic concepts of days of the week, month, year, and calendar routine they do in school everyday.

#4 – Packing her own backpack

It seems like such a simple thing, but I tend to pack HJ’s backpack without even thinking about it. Since it’s the beginning of a new school year, HJ has enjoyed picking out her backpack, and planning what she’s going to bring on the first day of school. Apparently sunglasses is one thing high on her list that I’m not sure she really needs, but if that helps her feel a little more comfortable, why not. I can’t have her actually put all her school supplies in it yet, though, because HJ absolutely LOVES new school supplies and I will have to literally hide them from her until the last minute so she doesn’t open everything up and use them up before she even brings them to school.

#3 – Drawing a picture about the first day

HJ is a visual child, and loves drawing, so this one is another simple way for her to prepare herself emotionally and mentally for going back to school. Her counselor suggested giving her specific prompts, like, what do you think your classroom will look like? And can you draw some of your friends from last year? We’re lucky in that she is in the same school building as last year, and her classroom will be next door to her kindergarten room. Also, many of her friends from last year will be in her class, so I know for a child like HJ who has a hard time with transitions, this is going to make things a whole lot easier.

#2 – Meeting the teacher

Fortunately, HJ’s school also has an official “Get Acquainted Day” for HJ to meet her teacher, see her new classroom, and drop off some of her bulkier supplies. Unfortunately, this is scheduled for only one day before school officially begins, but I still think it will be important for her. She does know the first grade teacher from seeing her around the building last year, but I know that a large part of her success depends on how comfortable she feels with the teacher and how willing she is to open up to her. I’m really hoping that HJ clicks with her and that they have a good relationship this year.

#1 – Getting enough sleep

Though HJ usually goes to bed early enough, the last two weeks have still been pretty hectic with lots of social activities and outings and some late nights. Now that there are only a few days left, I know that we need to buckle down and make sure she goes to bed at a reasonable hour. Regardless of when she falls asleep, HJ usually is up early, so that shouldn’t be a problem. But I also know we need to start getting her into the morning routine of getting dressed and ready to go, versus lounging around in her pajamas and eating a leisurely breakfast. Poor girl — it’s already bye-bye summer and back to the grind.

Ready or not, it looks like it’s time for first grade, baby girl.

What other tips do you have for getting your kids ready to go back to school?