As summer kicks off and kids dive into long days of camps, vacations, and free play with family and friends, parents and teachers are already thinking ahead—preparing for the new school year. For many students, the excitement of meeting new teachers, classmates, and learning new subjects comes with a fair share of anxiety. And for students who stutter, the first day of school can feel like the scariest day of the year.

To help students build confidence and thrive in the classroom, The Stuttering Foundation has shared five key tips for summer preparation:

1. Read Together

Spending time reading with children who stutter can boost their confidence and ease classroom anxieties. The Stuttering Foundation offers a summer reading list with free e-books for all ages and a collection of stuttering-related books available through libraries and booksellers.

2. Watch “Stuttering: For Kids, By Kids 2.0”

This video features real students who share their experiences with stuttering in school, helping young viewers relate to their peers and feel reassured as they prepare for the new academic year.

3. Visit the Public Library

Through generous benefactors, The Stuttering Foundation has made its books and videos available free to over 16,000 libraries across the country. Families can explore these resources and request materials directly from their local libraries.

4. Share Your Story

The Foundation encourages students to send letters and drawings about their experiences with stuttering. Many submissions are published in the Foundation’s magazine and website, serving as a powerful reminder that children who stutter are not alone.

5. Meet the New Teacher

Connecting with teachers before school starts—whether in person or through early communication—helps students feel more at ease. The Stuttering Foundation’s “Notes to the Teacher: The Child Who Stutters at School” page provides valuable guidance for parents and educators to work together for a successful school year.

The Stuttering Foundation has a curated Back-to-School Resource Collection on its website, StutteringHelp.org, offering support to families and educators.

Founded in 1947 by Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, The Stuttering Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free online resources and supporting research into the causes of stuttering.

Preparing for school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking proactive steps during summer break, students who stutter can start their school year with confidence, ready to learn and succeed.