Article by Maria Weidich  |  Photos by Littles + Bigs Photography

As we busy our days buying fresh notebooks and first-day outfits, it’s important to remember there’s more to back-to-school prep than shopping lists. “Many students struggle with re-establishing routines, and others may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, especially if they’re starting at a new school,” said Taylor Walk, an elementary educator serving Billings Public Schools for 10 years.

These non-academic skills can often have a greater influence on a student’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive in a school environment. Lucky for parents and caregivers, these real-world character lessons can be taught through fun and everyday experiences.

NAVIGATING SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Teaching our students communication skills before school begins isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. From making friends to managing emotions, social skills lay the foundation for everything students experience in the classroom. Kids who feel heard, understood, and connected are also ready to learn. Teaching these skills can be easily woven into fun and playful moments at home.

MINI MISSIONS:

• Play games like 20 Questions or Would You Rather? to build conversation.
• Let them lead the interaction with the cashier or wait staff at your favorite restaurant.
• Role-play real-life scenarios like meeting a new classmate or asking a teacher for help.
• Play “Show and Tell” at home, encouraging them to make eye contact and speak clearly.

TIME MANAGEMENT BASICS

Shifting from summer’s relaxed pace to a structured school routine can be tough for students. Mattie Walton, a Billings Public Schools teacher and mom of two, shared, “We are using our bodies and brains differently, which can take time to adjust.” She recommends easing the transition by starting school-year sleep routines early and preparing the night before with tasks such as packing lunches, backpacks, and laying out clothes.

MINI MISSIONS:

• Rehearse a school-day morning at home, assessing how long it takes to get ready.
• Create a visual weekly planner that includes time for school, chores, screen time, and play.
• Set a timer for chores, getting ready, or other tasks, and try to “beat the clock”.
• Revisit screen time expectations utilizing a “tech time tracker”.

LEARNING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Money affects nearly every part of adult life, and teaching our students early can help them understand the value of money and develop independence, encourage healthy spending habits, and bring math into their daily lives.

MINI MISSIONS:

• Have a Back-to-School Budget Challenge and let your student help shop for school supplies, comparing brands and quality in purchases.
• Run a mini business with a classic lemonade stand or garage sale to teach the concept of earning income.
• Gamify summer savings with a visual tracker and periodic rewards.

TEACHING EMOTIONAL SKILLS

Teaching kids to recognize and manage emotions can begin as early as infancy, says Beth Gregg, a mom of two and Special Education Teacher. “There are so many easy and natural moments to teach these skills at home,” she said. “Talking about feelings after a playdate or when watching a show, asking ‘How do you think they felt?’ or ‘What would you have done?’ are great places to start.” She also emphasized modeling emotional maturity: “Saying, ‘I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a break’ shows our kids what healthy coping looks like.”

MINI MISSIONS:

• Play board games to teach patience and resilience.
• Read stories or watch movies and pause to discuss emotions.
• Play emotion charades, acting out feelings while others guess the emotion.

FOSTERING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Teaching personal responsibility starts by giving kids responsibility. “We make back-to-school snack shopping a little event on its own,” said Whitney Creek, a Billings photographer and mom of three. “Picking out snacks together makes for something to look forward to, and it definitely helps her remember to pack them in her backpack and bring them to school!” Creek also recommends practicing simple tasks, such as zipping zippers, tying shoes, and opening water bottles, especially for younger students.

MINI MISSIONS:

• Create a daily task chart with progress rewards.
• Give kids a job at home with a fun title like Backyard Manager or Chief Breakfast Helper.
• Make a responsibility jar with fun and age- appropriate tasks to select each day.

BUILDING EMPATHY AND INCLUSION

Elementary educator and mom of two, Caitlin Dimock, has been in the classroom for 13 years and believes empathy and inclusion skills should be practiced and noticed daily. “You can’t read one book, volunteer at one event, or talk your students into including others,” she said. “You’ve got to model, model, model, and make these part of your family vision.”

MINI MISSIONS:

• Volunteer at the local animal shelter or neighborhood clean-up.
• Use role-playing and games to imagine different perspectives and challenges.
• Create Kindness & Inclusion BINGO with simple actions like complementing someone, learning how to say “hello” in a different language, or invite a new friend to a playdate.

Life, social, and emotional skills are essential

for kids; they’re the foundation for managing stress, building friendships, and staying curious. Before school starts, take time to nurture their growth; the most valuable lessons often happen before the first textbook is opened. 

LOCAL EXPERT INSIGHTS:

“One thing we do before school starts…”

Start easing back into routines: earlier bedtimes, planning lunches, and discussing what the school day will look like. We also spend time chatting about what they’re excited for and what might feel a little scary. I remind them that it’s normal to be nervous and that trying your best, even when something is hard, is what really matters.

Beth Gregg,

Special Education Teacher and Mom of Two

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Make a conscious effort to soak up every last bit of summer joy, like outdoor adventures and time together as a family, knowing these cherished memories will energize us for the exciting new discoveries and connections waiting in the classroom.

Mattie Walton,

Middle School Geography Teacher and Mom of Two

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One thing I do is go on a one-on-one date with my oldest daughter. With three kiddos at home, it’s rare we get that time together! We go out for lunch and ice cream, and shop for a couple new school outfits and school supplies. It helps ease the transition and makes the back-to-school season feel like something to look forward to, not just the end of summer.

Whitney Creek,

Owner of Littles + Bigs Photography, Mom of Three

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A few days before school begins, we will do a full dry run: wake up at the right time, go through the morning routine, get dressed, and even walk or drive to school. The goal is to take the mystery and the morning chaos out of that first day. It helps everyone feel calmer and more confident, and it gives us time to troubleshoot little things.

Taylor Walk,

Elementary Educator and Mom of Two

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Practice eating lunch in 20 minutes, including opening own baggies and cleaning up!

Caitlin Dimock,

Elementary Educator and Mom of Two

Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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