Last week we detailed some practices parents can implement to ease the physical transition from summer back to a school schedule before their child steps in the classroom. Today, we are going to give you some more tips, but this time focused on how to make your child comfortable and prepared when entering back into the classroom.
As we spoke of last week, going back to school is a big transition. There is a big adjustment, either kids are starting school for the first time or they're moving to a new school or new class with more academic demands, possibly new teachers, and maybe even a change in friendship circles. We’ve come up with a couple of ways parents can help their children cope with this transition.
Here’s how:
Make sure your child is familiar with the school
If your child was at the same school last year, great! You only need to talk about small changes for the upcoming school year, such as changes in frequency of homework, transportation, or transitions between classes. But if it is their first year at this school, then taking a trip to the school could be beneficial.
Take advantage of any orientation opportunities
Many schools let new students, especially younger ones, come to school for an orientation session before school begins. And if not, ask if your child can come in to meet their teacher a day or so before school starts.
Practice saying goodbye
For many children, one of the biggest challenges, if not the biggest, is saying goodbye to their parents. Try to facilitate smaller separations to practice saying goodbye and develop a routine.
With the implementation of these transition skills in conjunction with the practices detailed in last week's blog everyone will be comfortable in their new routine and not even looking back as they race into school.
