There is something about the phrase “back to school” that makes August feel like a giant countdown clock.

One minute we are enjoying slow mornings, family adventures, and summer fun. The next minute we are looking at school supply lists, organizing backpacks, setting alarms, and wondering where the summer went!

As a teacher, I can tell you something parents might not always realize:

Teachers get first day of school nerves, too.

We wonder if our students will like us. We wonder if our classroom will feel welcoming. We wonder whether our carefully planned first day activities will actually work.

And yes… we wonder whether we remembered everything.

So, from a teacher’s perspective, here are a few things I want parents to know as we head into a brand new school year.

1. Your Child Doesn’t Have to Be “Ready” for Everything

Back-to-school season can make parents feel like their child needs to walk through the classroom door already knowing how to do everything perfectly.

They don’t.

Children are supposed to learn.

They will forget where to put their backpack. They may not remember every classroom rule. They might have trouble opening their lunch container. They may need to be reminded where the bathroom is.

That’s okay!

One of our jobs as teachers is to teach the routines, not just the academics.

In fact, classroom routines are a huge part of the beginning of the school year because predictable routines help children understand what is expected and make the school day feel more comfortable.

So if your child comes home during the first week and says, “I don’t know what I’m doing!” don’t panic.

They’re learning.

And so are we.

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2. The First Day Can Feel Like a LOT

Imagine walking into a new workplace where you don’t know exactly where everything is, who everyone is, what the rules are, or what your schedule will look like.

That’s basically the first day of school for many children.

Even kids who are excited about school can experience nervousness or uncertainty. New teachers, new classmates, new routines, and new expectations can all feel like a lot at once. (HealthyChildren.org)

A simple conversation can help.

Instead of asking:

“Are you nervous about school?”

Try:

“What are you most excited about?”

and

“Is there anything you’re wondering about?”

Sometimes children don’t need us to fix their worries. They just need someone to listen.

And if they say, “I don’t know,” that’s okay too.

You can always try again tomorrow.

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3. Please Don’t Forget About Sleep!

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…

Summer bedtime.

If your child has been staying up until 10:30, 11:00, or possibly some mysterious hour that nobody wants to admit to, you are not alone.

But suddenly going from summer mode to a 6:30 a.m. school morning can be rough.

Sleep plays an important role in attention, learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Experts recommend gradually getting children back toward their school year sleep schedule rather than waiting until the night before school begins. (Sleep Foundation)

My teacher advice?

Start easing into the routine before the first day.

Move bedtime and wake up time gradually. Create a predictable evening routine. Put away the screens. Read a book.

And maybe don’t tell your child that teachers have to get back into an early bedtime routine after summer break also…

We have a reputation to maintain. 😉

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4. Please Let Your Child Do Some Things for Themselves

This one is especially important for younger students.

Parents are amazing. You pack the lunches, find the missing shoes, organize the backpacks, complete the paperwork, remember the water bottle, and somehow locate the one very specific pencil your child absolutely must have.

But children also need opportunities to practice independence.

Let them pack their backpack.

Let them choose between two outfits.

Let them practice opening their lunch containers.

Let them put their shoes on.

Let them check their morning routine.

It might take longer.

There may be mismatched socks.

There may even be a dramatic moment involving a zipper.

But those little responsibilities build confidence.

And believe me, teachers love seeing a child walk into the classroom saying, “I can do it!”

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5. Teachers and Parents Are on the Same Team

This might be my biggest back to school message of all.

We are on the same team.

Teachers want your child to have a wonderful year.

Parents want their child to have a wonderful year.

Sometimes we may approach a situation differently, but our goal is usually the same: helping your child learn, grow, feel safe, and become more confident.

Communication makes a huge difference.

If something is going on at home that might affect your child’s day, a quick message to the teacher can be incredibly helpful.

Likewise, when a teacher reaches out, try to remember that communication doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

Sometimes we are celebrating.

Sometimes we’re sharing a small concern before it becomes a big one.

And sometimes we just want you to know something wonderful your child did that day.

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6. Teachers Notice the Little Things

Parents often ask teachers about grades, reading levels, math skills, and test scores.

Those things matter.

But teachers notice so much more.

We notice the child who finally raises their hand.

The student who helps a classmate.

The child who walks into school nervous but makes it through the day.

The student who keeps trying after getting an answer wrong.

The child who makes a new friend.

The student who says, “I can help!”

Those moments may never appear on a report card, but they are some of the best parts of teaching.

So this year, celebrate the little wins.

They add up.

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7. Don’t Expect the First Week to Look Perfect

The first week of school is beautiful chaos.

There are forgotten water bottles.

Backpacks in strange places.

Children learning names.

Teachers learning names.

Pencils mysteriously disappearing.

Someone will probably ask what time lunch is approximately 47 times.

And that’s okay.

The first few weeks are about building a classroom community and teaching everyone how the classroom works.

Strong routines create predictability and help students know what to expect. (We Are Teachers)

So if the first week feels a little messy, take a breath.

Messy doesn’t mean unsuccessful.

It means we’re learning.

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8. And Parents… We Appreciate You More Than You Know

Teachers don’t always get the chance to say this.

Thank you.

Thank you for getting your child out the door.

Thank you for labeling the water bottle.

Thank you for practicing the backpack routine.

Thank you for reading together.

Thank you for asking about the school day.

Thank you for sending the extra supplies.

Thank you for trusting us with your child.

And thank you for understanding that teachers are people, too.

We will make mistakes.

We will have exhausting days.

We will occasionally forget where we put our coffee.

But we will also celebrate your child’s successes, cheer them on, help them when things are difficult, and watch them grow throughout the year.

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One Last Teacher to Parent Tip…

Don’t put too much pressure on the first day.

Your child doesn’t need the perfect outfit.

They don’t need the fanciest backpack.

They don’t need to walk into school without a single nervous thought.

They just need to know:

“I am loved. I am supported. And I can do this.”

That’s enough.

Actually, that’s a pretty great place to start.

Here’s to a new school year filled with learning, laughter, friendships, growth, and maybe just a little less morning chaos.

Teachers, we’ve got this.

Parents, you’ve got this.

Kids, you’ve definitely got this. ❤️

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Looking for More Back-to-School Ideas?

If you’re a teacher looking for classroom resources, printable activities, organization ideas, or ways to make your school year a little easier, be sure to explore more of the In the Classroom section here at Eleven Dragonflies.