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Top 10 Resources on Back to School for Parents

Get ready for a really great school year. Find out what to look for during your school's open house and back-to-school night, tips for helping your child make a smooth transition from summer to school, how to establish homework routines, and even a booklist full of wonderful school-themed picture books to share.
  1. Who's Who in Your Child's School
    There are many people at your child's school who are there to help your child learn, grow socially and emotionally, and navigate the school environment. Find out how the reading specialist, speech-language pathologist, and school psychologist support kids throughout the school year.
  2. Bright Ideas for Back-to-School Night... and Beyond
    Back-to-school night is an important annual ritual — a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to meet, connect, and share their vision for the school year. We've gathered up the very best resources to help you make the most of back-to-school night — and set the stage for a year of learning and growth.
  3. Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
    Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
  4. Easing Back Into School
    Back to School is an exciting (and sometimes nervous!) time for students and parents. A few tips might help you and your child get off on the right foot. (In English and Spanish)
  5. Helping Your Child Succeed in School
    Here are 10 things you can do to help your child succeed at school, with a focus on communicating with your child's teacher throughout the school year, becoming part of the school community, establishing homework routines, and seeking help if your child is struggling. (In English and Spanish)
  6. Open House: What Does a Good Classroom Look Like?
    Does your child's school host an Open House before school starts? Here are some thoughts on what to look for that can set the right tone for a great school year.
  7. Listen and Look at Back-to-School Night
    Back-to-school night is a great opportunity for families to learn more about their child's school and teacher. Here are some signs to look for that indicate your child is in a place where good reading instruction can take place. (In English and Spanish)
  8. What's Screening, Differentiated Instruction, and Leveled Text?
    When the back-to-school bell starts ringing, parents often hear and read school-related terms that are unfamiliar to them. Below are three terms and descriptions related to reading instruction that may help give you a better understanding of what's happening in your child's classroom and what it all means for your young learner. (In English and Spanish)
  9. Growing Readers Newsletter
    Subscribe to these free one-page articles for parents on topics ranging from building background knowledge to helping your kids succeed in school. (In English and Spanish)
  10. School Days Booklist
    The backpack is packed, the lunch money is in hand, and oh it's time for a new school year! Getting ready for school means a lot of changes — a new grade, teachers, friends, and routines, but it's all fun and safe when shared within the covers of a book.

See all back-to-school resources >

Reading Rockets (2013)

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"Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together, we won't have as much censorship because we won't have as much fear." —

Judy Blume