Until now, I have only had elementary-aged children to help prepare for school in the morning.  Suddenly, I find myself with a big kid preparing for middle school.  Although she has not changed dramatically from last year, she will now be getting up earlier than her siblings (6 a.m.) and getting ready largely on her own for her 7 a.m. bus pickup.  In years past, I would be getting 3 children ready for school, so it just seemed easy to get them all ready myself.  I woke them up, reminded them to brush their teeth, fixed them some breakfast, prepared their snacks for school, and then walked them to the bus stop.

Now, for the first time, I have a middle-schooler who will be getting up an hour earlier than her brother and sister (6 a.m.).  She is big enough to get herself ready in the morning and prepared for a new day at school, but with a little guidance (and a checklist), I can be confident that she will accomplish all the steps that are necessary to be successful each day.  Here is the checklist that we have hung in the bathroom closet for her easy reference.

Click image to see more lists in Student Planning. Members have access to a blank Checklist Before School to fill in with unique steps.

The Night Before

• Choose and layout clothing, shoes
• Consider lunch and snack options (pack, if possible)
• Pack backpack: homework, books, supplies, lunch (money), PE clothing
• Get a good night’s sleep

The Morning of

• Wake up at _______________
• Take a shower
• Dress
• Brush teeth
• Put on deodorant
• Brush hair
• Prepare & eat breakfast
• Remember to pack instrument, sports equipment, notes from home, permission slips, reading book, etc
• Leave for the bus stop at _________________

What steps do you find crucial to getting your child up and ready for school with minimal help?  Leave a comment below with your tips for a successful school morning.

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