Oh, Those First-Day Jitters Help ease back-to-school trauma in kids and adults

Entering high school for the first time or going to a new school can give teens the jitters. To help ease their anxiety, this article covers such issues as selecting clothes to wear the first day, dealing with conflicting emotions, and other real-life concerns. Created by: The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media. Don't Miss: Click on the “More Articles Like This” side tab for features on dealing with bullying, getting along with teachers, and more. Detour: For similar advice regarding elementary and middle school kids, visit kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/school/back_to_school.html.

Want to get to know the kids who visit your library or help teachers do the same with their students? Then check out the more than 150 icebreaker activities on this site. Created by: Education World, Wallingford, CT. Don't Miss: This year's “Animal Quiz” will get older kids not only thinking, but also laughing as well—try it in your library this year! Detour: While visiting the “Icebreaker Archive,” check out the other links designed for teachers, especially the “Staff Scavenger Hunt” and the “Survival Kit” links.

To help keep kids safe on the way to school this fall, check out these nifty handouts (in PDF format). The first link contains a four-page document that describes bus, bike, and pedestrian safety, and the second is a fun, printable safety game. Created by: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Dept. of Transportation. Detour: For more kid-friendly information on school bus safety, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/kidsPage/bussafety/index.html.

Kids aren't the only ones nervous about the start of school. Many parents are concerned about their kids, especially if they're shy or impulsive, or if they have special emotional or physical needs. Consider printing this article and making it available for parents in your community just before the start of school. Created by: The Child Study Center, New York University.

Here's another great site, chock full of brief articles (that come in both printer- and e-mail-friendly versions) for parents and caregivers. Be sure to click on “More Related Links” to the right side of the page for articles on backpack safety, transitioning from summer to school, coping with bullies, dealing with temper tantrums, and even handling bad dreams and stomachaches that are related to school. Created by: The Family Education Network, Boston, MA.