Tips for Adjusting to a New School
Embarking on a journey at a different school can be anxiety-inducing, even for the most self-assured and resilient children. It's typical for kids to experience a blend of nervousness and anticipation when transitioning to a new school or advancing to a higher grade level.
Whether your family has relocated to a new area, necessitating a change in your children's school, or if your child is progressing to the next academic year in a different school, these tips for acclimating to a new school environment can prove beneficial.
During the initial week of this transitional phase, it's crucial to create an atmosphere where your child feels at ease and confident in their ability to adapt to the new school setting. With the right support, your child will be feeling at home at their new school in no time!
Foster Open Communication
Motivate your child to openly communicate their thoughts and emotions regarding the new school. Foster a secure environment where they feel comfortable sharing both concerns and excitement. Keep a regular check on their day, their interactions with peers, and any challenges they might encounter. Open communication ensures that you remain well-informed about their experiences and enables you to address any issues promptly.
If your child hesitates to verbalise their feelings, consider incorporating creative methods such as drawing or journaling to facilitate self-expression. Furthermore, establish a communication channel with your child and their teachers to stay updated on academic progress and social dynamics within the classroom. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of your child's school experience.
Prepare Well
To enhance your child's chances of adapting smoothly to their new school, assist them in thorough preparation. This involves familiarising them with the school beforehand and navigating the route to school.
Ensure you allocate ample time for the journey on the first day to alleviate any concerns about being late. The night before is crucial for preparing for the new school day as well. Ensure that the entire family is well-rested, lunches are packed, uniforms are ready, and a nutritious breakfast is planned for the morning. The significance of sufficient sleep and a wholesome meal cannot be emphasised enough in ensuring readiness for the big day of starting school!
Combat Anxiety
If your child is feeling apprehensive about starting at a new school, identify the source of their nerves and assist them in finding ways to relax. Anxiety often diminishes with thorough preparation, so ensure that your child is equipped with all necessary school supplies and has a clear understanding of what to expect on their first day.
Creating a daily plan or having a class timetable can help alleviate nerves. Familiarising your child with new classmates, classroom locations, and teacher names, and providing a means for graduate students to contact you if needed can also contribute to easing their anxiety.
Preparation instils a sense of confidence in children, making them more at ease with the idea of making new friends and adjusting to their new school environment. Continue to check in with your child regarding their feelings, and if school-related anxiety persists, reaching out to their teacher can be an initial step toward finding solutions.
Make your Child Feel Comfortable
Adjusting to a new school is a process that takes time. Your child may encounter various challenges, such as catching a bus for the first time, parting with old friends, delving into new subjects, or even facing exams. On their inaugural day, if possible, accompany them to school. Depending on their age, consider stepping into their classroom to meet the teacher.
This initial encounter serves as an excellent opportunity to convey essential information about your child to the teacher and establish a communication channel for ongoing dialogue. Having a convenient means of contacting your child's teacher not only fosters your comfort but also streamlines the adjustment process for both the teacher and your child in the school environment. Taking an active role in aiding both the teachers and your child in settling into the new school will contribute significantly to putting both parties at ease.
Set a Routine
Establishing routines contributes to a smoother life. When we have a clear idea of what our days entail, we can prepare effectively, addressing challenges and tasks methodically. Implementing a daily routine for your children aids in time management and provides clarity about their daily commitments.
Your routine for this school year should encompass key elements such as wake-up time, breakfast time, the journey to school, after-school activities, designated break periods, the return journey from school, homework time, and bedtime.
Tailor the routine to accommodate significant activities of other children in the household, whether it involves catching the bus to school, participating in football practice, or attending after-school tutoring. To assist your children in keeping track of their time and preferred activities, consider creating a whiteboard timetable or printing out a calendar outlining your family's weekly routine.
Celebrate Achievements
Recognise and celebrate your child's accomplishments, regardless of their size. Acknowledging their efforts and successes, whether in academics, social interactions, extracurricular programs, or community activities, enhances their self-esteem and encourages them to adapt positively to the new school environment.
Establish a system of rewards or special treats to commend children for achieving specific goals or overcoming challenges. By emphasising their accomplishments, you not only reinforce the development of their skills but also foster a positive mindset, helping them build resilience in the face of new experiences.
Encourage Independence
Empower your child to assume control of their journey in the new school. Motivate them to organise their school supplies, navigate their schedule, and take charge of their homework. Cultivating a sense of independence is instrumental in building self-confidence and resilience, essential qualities for students adjusting to unfamiliar environments.
Incrementally expanding their responsibilities will prepare them for the demands of a more independent academic life. This might include allowing students to autonomously organise their backpacks, encouraging them to plan their study schedules, or facilitating direct communication between students and teachers when necessary.
Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Getting involved in a club or sports team is an excellent way for your child to meet and connect with new people. Establishing friendships beyond the classroom not only expands their social circle but may also uncover new interests or talents! Ensure you obtain the school handbook and sit down with your child to explore the various options for extracurricular activities.
Whether they're inclined towards learning an instrument and joining the school orchestra or interested in athletics, motivate them to step outside their comfort zone and join a club or team. Additionally, review the school calendar to identify upcoming classes, programs, and events hosted by the school, faculty, or community. If possible, attend some of these school or community events with your family!
Starting a new school can be daunting, but with the right preparation and support, your child will take on the challenge with confidence. If you are concerned about your child’s progress at school, or they aren’t keeping up with their peers in class, get in touch with your local NumberWorks’nWords centre to book a free assessment.
Our comprehensive assessment process uncovers gaps and weaknesses in students and forms a personalised learning programme for each child. Learn more about English and maths tutoring with NumberWorks’nWords by contacting your local centre.
