08/27/2026
Below are some simple ways to use play to prepare for back to school. For more info on easing back to school transitions check out our blog post.
Budtobloomplaytherapy.com
Playing “school” together and taking turns being the teacher and the student
Reading books about the first day of school and wondering together how the characters might be feeling
Creating pretend morning routines with stuffed animals
Practicing opening lunch containers, packing backpacks, or walking through drop-off routines during play
Drawing or storytelling about hopes, worries, and excitement for the new year
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety. It’s to help children become familiar with what feels unknown while communicating, “Whatever you’re feeling, we’ll figure it out together.”