HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL FROM SKYBREAK THERAPY
HOT TOPIC - BACK TO SCOOL
Helping Your Child Start the School Year Strong
A new school year brings excitement, new routines, and sometimes a few challenges. A little preparation before school starts can make a big difference in helping children feel confident and ready to learn.
6 Simple Ways to Set Your Child Up for Success
🍎 Practice the School Routine
Begin adjusting bedtime, wake-up time, and meal schedules about one to two weeks before school starts. Consistent routines help children transition more smoothly into the school day.
🍎 Build Independence
Encourage your child to practice everyday tasks like packing their backpack, opening lunch containers, zipping coats, tying shoes, and putting on their own backpack. These small skills build confidence and independence.
🍎 Strengthen Fine Motor Skills
Simple activities such as coloring, cutting with scissors, stringing beads, using tweezers, building with LEGOs, or playing with play dough help strengthen the hand muscles needed for writing and classroom tasks.
🍎 Get Moving
Movement prepares the brain for learning. Activities like jumping, climbing, obstacle courses, bike rides, or even a quick dance party can help improve focus, attention, and body awareness.
🍎 Talk About Feelings
Starting school can bring a mix of emotions. Talk with your child about what they're excited or nervous about, and reassure them that it's okay to have big feelings during times of change.
Read Together Every Day
Reading for just 15–20 minutes each day helps build language, vocabulary, listening skills, and a love of learning.
MOVEMENT MATTERS - PT PRO TIPS
Back-to-School Backpack Tips
Help your child stay comfortable, prevent aches, and promote healthy posture with these simple backpack habits:
Keep it light:
A backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of your child's body weight. Here's a quick test, can your child lift their backpack with one hand? If it feels too heavy for them to lift independently, it's probably too full.
Fit is Important:
- Top of the pack should line up with the top of the shoulders
- Bottom of the pack should rest about 2 inches below the belly button
- The bag should cover the shoulder blades but not be wider than them
- A well-positioned pack helps keep posture aligned and reduces unnecessary strain.
Wear it correctly:
Always use both shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly and avoid one-sided tension and overuse injuries.
Pack smart:
Place heavier items closest to the back for better balance and less strain.
Take breaks:
Encourage your child to set their backpack down whenever possible instead of carrying it for long periods.
Stretch after school:
A few gentle stretches at the end of the day can help relieve muscle tension and support good posture.
Small changes can make a big difference in keeping kids comfortable, active, and ready to learn!
If you’re unsure about your child’s backpack fit or want help with posture/strength, motor skills, or other school related concerns, our pediatric PT and OT team are here to help.
Speech Therapy Corner
The Power of Conversation
As the school year begins, one of the simplest ways to support your child's speech and language development is through everyday conversation. Whether you're driving home from school, eating dinner, or getting ready for bed, those small moments of connection help build communication skills that carry into the classroom.
Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," try asking open-ended questions that encourage your child to think, explain, and tell a story.
Some great conversation starters include:
- What was the best part of your day?
- Who did you spend time with today?
- What is something new you learned?
- What made you smile today?
- Was there anything that was challenging today? How did you handle it?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
As your child answers, show interest by asking follow-up questions like, "Tell me more about that," or "What happened next?" These back-and-forth conversations help children expand their vocabulary, organize their thoughts, strengthen storytelling skills, and build confidence expressing themselves.
Meet The Team
Jennifer
Admin Director
Jennifer has been a vital part of the healthcare world for over 15 years, bringing extensive experience in clinic operations, human resources, credentialing, payroll, compliance, and patient care coordination. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her dedication helps ensure that every family and team member has a positive experience at SkyBreak Therapy.
Jennifer is passionate about helping people and solving problems. She believes that communication, kindness, and consistency make all the difference, and she works hard to create a welcoming environment where families feel heard, respected, and supported. Her favorite quote perfectly reflects her approach:
"People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
When she's not at work, Jennifer loves spending time with her family and cheering on her daughter in all of her activities. She's also the proud owner of a Quaker parrot named Blueberry, who has quite the vocabulary—and, for some reason, loves singing Justin Bieber's "Baby" (despite it never being played at home!). On her days off, Jennifer enjoys rolling the windows down, turning up the music, and going for a drive with no destination in mind.
We're grateful for Jennifer's dedication, compassion, and the countless ways she helps our team and families every day. We're lucky to have her as part of the SkyBreak Therapy family!
We Are Growing
Stay Connected
Leave a Google Review
Share your experience with SkyBreak Therapy on Google and receive a Starbucks Gift Card as our thank you. Simply leave your review and let our front desk or team know to claim your gift card.
Refer a Friend
Know a family who could benefit from therapy services? When your referral becomes a client, you’ll receive a $50 groceries gift card to Winco or Walmart as a thank you for helping us connect with more families in our community.
Don’t Miss Our Monthly Giveaways
Be sure to follow us on social media for therapy tips, clinic updates, family resources, and fun monthly giveaways!
You can also visit our website's VIP Giveaways page to see our current promotions, giveaways, and special offers happening at SkyBreak Therapy. Be sure to check back often so you don't miss out!
VIP Giveaways: SkyBreakTherapy.com
