Help ease your child into a new school

It’s a brand new year and with all the celebrations also comes the responsibilities. One such aspect includes back-to-school prep.

Many parents will be sending their little ones to school for the very first time or their kids will be entering a new school, new grade or moving on from primary level to high school. This can be considered a big deal for many people as their children need to transition into the new adjustments.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind if your child is going through any of these changes:

Kids entering pre-school level:

This may be the first time your child will be in a formal school setting, so it is important to prepare them in the following ways:

• Inform them about the rules of the classroom. This includes practical issues such as using the bathroom, the usual pre-school routines such as napping, lunch breaks, respecting the other children in class as well as the teacher and so on.
• Plan to hang around the classroom for a little while longer for the first few days of school. This will help with any transition issues. If your child is too attached to you, find ways to distract them in the classroom by giving them fun activities that you know will keep them busy and ultimately will help keep their mind off you.
• Turn to the teacher or guidance counsellor for assistance if your pre-schooler won’t let you leave.
• Always be positive about school and the importance of attending. Reinforce this at home as well so your child understands the need to go and probably will find it enjoyable.

Children moving to a new school:

If you’ve moved to a new area or if your child is simply switching to a new school, you need to do everything possible to help your child ease into the transition

• If you tour the school before it starts, show your child where he/she can find the bathroom, classrooms or any other classes in the building.
• Research the school and the extracurricular activities it offers. Placing a school that offers some of the activities that your child is interested in will help your child to enjoy it more and also feel a sense of familiarity.
• Introduce yourselves – Young children are sometimes shy with a new teacher. Make an appointment to meet the teacher beforehand and take your child with so he/she feels comfortable on the first day of school.
• If your child has any special interests or challenges, keep the teacher informed.
• Encourage your child to make friends and to always treat everyone in the school with respect.