My daughters have declared themselves ready to go back to school. It was too easy! I can't take any credit for the last couple of rainy, boring days of our vacation that convinced them. But, just because there's no apparent angst around here doesn't mean we'll be breezing gracefully through the school's doors, on time, next Wednesday morning.

We've gotten more than a tad lax, having been out of town for August. I'm not entirely sure my daughters know how to clean up after themselves any more, not to mention follow a classroom routine. I can't say whether any of their school shoes fit (or where they are), and there was a list around here somewhere of supplies we're supposed to get for my daughter's kindergarten classroom. We need updated medical forms and booster shots and, worst of all, my 5-year-old Night Owl is living up to her nickname with a vengeance, creeping around until 11 p.m. and snoozing until 10. Help!<!--more-->

I'm trying to take it one day at a time during this last week, to get us all back on track. Here's what  we plan to do to make the transition both smooth and fun.

  • Take a walk to school, noting any memorable landmarks along the way (a cat that's always sunbathing on a stoop, a shop with a quirky window display). Since we live practically across the street from PS 29, we will be visiting the schoolyard (for exercise) and the school garden (to check on its progress).

  • Talk about the kids we know who will be in the same class -- even if it's someone we  met once over the summer.  Arrange  a play date or meeting in the park if we can.

  • Reset sleep schedules! We're beginning our evening routine 15 minutes earlier each day and waking Night Owl up 15 minutes earlier each morning.

  •  Re-instituting structured mornings to simulate school days-my kids get dressed and eat right away, in contrast to our summer "routine" of lazing around in PJs, crayons, and papers strewn across the breakfast table. My friend Cary has her son race an hourglass while he dresses -- a favorite game of his -- so he can be an early bird.

  • Go shopping for classroom supplies and snacks on the class list. If kids help find the items and pay the cashier they feel like they have made a contribution to the classroom.

  • My friend Kamila is literally counting down to kindergarten with her daughter, checking off days on a calendar they made together and counting the "sleeps" until the first day of school. This way, her daughter can visualize Sept. 9 approaching.

  • For kids who are apprehensive about going to school, a little something special to celebrate becoming a kindergartner may help. It could be a journal to record her days in the new class -- whether with drawings, mementos, or words. The promise of a fun activity, like an after-school library date or a festive "back to school" dinner may also help her look forward to the first day.

  • Check out these helpful suggestions -- including kids' books on the subject -- from Ask Judy.

    • How are  you marking the last days of summer and  making the back-to-school transition? Please share your tips!