How to Ease Kids Back Into Routine Before School Starts

Taylor Sofranko
Aug 1
3 min read

Summer can be a whirlwind—believe me, I know. Between travel, weddings, family events, and everything in between, my June and July flew by (and I’m sure yours did too!). Whether your family has been bouncing between camps, vacations, or just soaking up time together, that transition from relaxed summer days to structured school routines can be a lot.

As a reading specialist, I get asked all the time: How do I keep my child’s literacy skills strong over the summer? And even more frequently in August: Is it too late to get back on track before school starts?

Here’s the good news—it’s absolutely not too late. August is actually the perfect time to slowly build back structure in a gentle, consistent way. Just a little daily routine can go a long way in helping your child feel prepared and confident come September.

Student tracing the letter I. — PreK Tutoring Session - Getting Ready for Kindergarten!

Back-to-School Prep: Use a Daily Routine Checklist

One of the simplest ways to bring calm to the summer chaos is by using a visual checklist. But here’s the thing—not all routines are the same. That’s why I created a completely editable daily routine checklist you can adjust to fit your child’s day.

This template is editable, so you can:

Edit the morning, afternoon, and evening tasks
Add reading or writing goals
Include chores, screen time, or activities unique to your schedule

Kids love checking off boxes—it gives them a sense of control and accomplishment, and it helps everyone stay on track (without the nagging!).

✨ Bonus tip: Keep it visible on the fridge or tablet screen, and make it part of your child’s daily rhythm.

👉 Download your editable daily routine checklist here.

Keep the Writing Habit Going: Free Prompts Inside

Reading tends to get more attention over the summer, but don’t sleep on writing! Writing stamina is often the first thing to go during breaks, but it doesn’t take much to maintain it.

Try just 5-10 minutes of journaling each day using open-ended prompts to get those pencils moving.

Click below to download free writing prompts for students in K-8!

Real Progress from My Sessions

One of my second grade students has made amazing growth this summer using a simple combination of graphic organizers and checklists. His handwriting has improved, he’s writing more than ever before, and—maybe most importantly—his confidence is soaring.

Whether your child struggles with writing or just needs support organizing their thoughts, graphic organizers can be a game changer.

Need Extra Support Before School Starts?

While my Summer Reading Bootcamp is almost full, I’m still working with a few families to create customized tutoring plans focused on reading, writing, and even math support—tailored to your child’s exact needs.

📚 If you're interested in working together (or know someone who might be), reach out soon. I’m currently booking the final August spots and planning my fall schedule.

Let’s Make August Count

You don’t need to turn your house into a school. Just sprinkle in small, consistent moments of structure—like reading time, routines, or a little journaling—to help your child feel more prepared for the school year ahead.

You’re doing a great job. Let’s finish the summer strong 💪

Want more tips like this? Follow me on Instagram, @tasliteracy, or check out more free resources on my website.