It’s time to go back to school again! This wonderful time of the year triggers a range of emotions among kids as well as parents. Students can find this period overwhelming because of the high levels of excitement for the new semester as well as the difficulty of getting back into a routine after a restful summer break. It is imperative to prepare back-to-school essentials to ensure a smooth transition into the classroom. One of the best ways to ease the students out of their summer break and into school is through the right books. Back-to-school books need not be read exclusively on the first day or the first week of school. They can be treasurable reads to return to throughout the academic year.

Back-to-school books that revolve around the school setting are a great spot to begin. These books will aid in portraying schools as inviting places, thereby preparing your little one emotionally and academically. Here are three books that will strike a chord with your children.

Rain School: Written by James Rumford, Rain School is a picture book that most children adore. This story is set in Chad, Africa and revolves around the concept of younger siblings being led to school by older kids. The narrative also follows the passion of a boy named Thomas who loves to learn. It beautifully sheds light on the difficulties faced by kids as they must build their mud school building that will be taken away by the rainy season. Your little one is bound to be amazed by the determination of these kids.

Back to Front and Upside Down: An excellent work by Claire Alexander, Back to Front and Upside Down portrays the different challenges that students face within the walls of a classroom. This back-to-school book focuses on the ability of Stan who has trouble during an activity conducted in a classroom. He struggles with the formation of letters and is left feeling discouraged. Not only is the book great for kids, but it also helps parents understand the importance of helping kids through their troubles and minimizing the pressure to accomplish tasks.

School’s First Day of School: A lovely narration by Adam Rex, School’s First Day of School is a beautiful back-to-school book as it addresses the nervousness that kids may feel before their big day. The book has intriguing illustrations too. This clever back-to-school book traces the journey of students on the first day of school.

There is no denying that summer is a blissful time when all that you want to do is relax and laze around as you try to recover from the previous stressful school year. However, you cannot escape from the fact that summer is the perfect time that you have in your hand to prep for the coming school year.

Don’t know what to do this summer? Here are six ways in which you can enjoy your summer while preparing your mind and body for the challenging school year that is just around the corner.

Go on an adventure
As they say, there is no classroom out there that is better than traveling. So, pack your bags and follow the call of adventure. The best part about traveling during your summer vacations is that you need not worry about missing work or any other family obligation. Try to plan at least one trip every summer, in which you can see a new place, get a glimpse of a different culture and learn about the life of the locals there, in turn, getting a lifelong learning.

Pursue a new hobby
For those who complain that they don’t get enough time to pursue their hobbies during the school months, they can pursue their passion and join hobby classes.

Enroll for a summer class
Those who feel that the upcoming academic year will be hectic for them because of the advanced classes they are planning to take can consider enrolling themselves for extra summer classes that will help them learn the subject or additional skills in order to perform better in their academics.

Pick a sport
Though you will be very tempted to be lazy in the summer and not work out at all, it is vital that you at least play one sport or go for regular walks that will keep your body healthy and let you not succumb to the sedentary lifestyle.

Join a cause
It is rightly said that the more you give, the more you get. Volunteering is not just a great way to pass your time, but it also enhances your people skill and many times helps you find new interests that who knows might someday turn into a career?

Earn some extra bucks
Summer is also the perfect time to work hard and earn some extra income that you can utilize for shopping for your new year school outfit or simply to manage your other expenses. Apply for part time jobs in advance so that you can find the perfect job before the summer even begins.

Preparing for the school year ahead need not necessarily be finishing all the books that you are meant to read in the course to ace your classes, sometimes it simply means making the most of your summer doing interesting things, so that when you are back to school, you are proactive and ready for the academic year.