Today marks two weeks until our Falcons return to the Nest! We are counting the days until they appear and want to make sure that process is as smooth and safe as possible. To help get everyone back in the groove, let’s talk about practicing for car rider drop off and pick up!
This is a great time to have your child practice getting into and out of the car independently. Learners should enter and exit the vehicle on the passenger side so they are safe from the moving traffic. School staff will be available to help with opening and closing doors as needed, but staff members cannot lift Falcons in and out of the car. So, as a first step, have your child practice opening and closing the door if they are able and climbing into their seat from the passenger side door. You can sit in the driver’s seat to encourage them and welcome them just as you will in the line at pick up! They should get into the car, say hello, and climb into their actual seat (from the passenger side!), and climb back out before closing the door.
Next, buckling… we want ALL Falcons buckled safely before cars are moving. However, if families are getting in and out of cars to help each day, the line gets REALLY backed up and safety becomes a major concern for everyone. To help with this and build your child’s independence and pride, take this time to have your child practice buckling seatbelts and straps correctly on their own. Sit in the driver’s seat and encourage them as you would in the lane and praise them for a job well done. Then, have them practice unbuckling.
Finally, put it all together. Have an adult get into the car and wait in the driver’s seat. Have your child wear their backpack and open the car door (or have another grownup open it). Then have them climb in from the passenger side, unload that backpack on the floor, and get buckled in their seat. Praise them and remind them that each day will be like this. Then, have them unbuckle, get their backpack on, open the door, and get out independently. You can even make this a game with points for each step OR have them race against their best time. Our Falcons LOVE to see how fast they can fly!
This practice over the next few weeks will help prepare our Falcons and families for a successful car rider drop off and pick up all year long, improving their safety and reducing their worry. If you need other support or ideas with this, call us!
Two weeks and counting,
Mrs. McGuire