Despite my good intentions, every summer my girls (and I!) fall into bad habits: sleeping in late, not reading as much, late dinners, no real schedule. I found this great list of 5 Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for the School Year. Catlyn Caldart, a first-grade teacher in the Seattle area, suggests:

1. Read, read, read.
2. Make sure your child gets enough sleep
3. Emphasize the positive
4. Don’t over schedule your kids
5. Practice handwriting and spelling

She says it’s best to start early transitioning to a “school schedule” — at least two weeks before the first day. That’s right around the corner, ladies! She also suggests having kids help create a family newsletter or blog. Hmmm… I love that idea. One of my twins (who shall remain nameless!) struggles with writing and spelling. It’s not that she can’t do it…she just wants to rush thought it and doesn’t find it enjoyable. Her twin loves to keep journals, write stories, create books and independently challenge herself with spelling words. Perhaps I could interest the non-writer with a blog. She loves computers and electronic games. More later on that idea…