Return to school signals routines, readiness and resilience

Across households, the return to school this week signals the end of the holiday period and the return to structured days filled with learning, responsibility, and growth.

The start of the school year is always a milestone, but for hundreds of Grade 1 learners, it marks a particularly big step – the first official day of ‘big school’.

From early morning on Wednesday, school gates fill open for the year, and some of those arriving will be nervous Grade 1 children, with oversized school bags, oversized uniforms, and freshly-polished shoes. They might be clutching the reassuring hands of parents, siblings, or caregivers.

For parents, the first day at school will bring a mix of emotions. Pride, anxiety, and hope will be visible as they watch their children line up for the first time, often wiping away tears as teachers guide the young learners into classrooms.

Dr Elda Thiart, professional adviser for early childhood education at the South African Teachers’ Union, says that the start of school is a moment that should be “approached with warmth, honesty, and practical planning, so that a child steps into Grade 1 with confidence, rather than uncertainty.”

She continues, saying that getting children ready for school is a process that unfolds over the weeks and months before that first day, and that the emphasis should be equally on academic and emotional readiness.

She emphasised that children sometimes mirror what their parents are feeling, so it is important to let children know that being nervous is nothing to be ashamed of. A calm parent may also make the difference between a successful and a traumatic first day.

Talking positively about school, practising the morning routine, and allowing children to pack their own school bags, can help build the confidence that is needed for a succesful first day.

For adults whose children are beginning school, this time often brings a new balance between routine and responsibility.

This shift in routine should include consistent sleep patterns, preditable mealtimes, and morning preparation habits. A stuctured evening routine, with a bath, quiet story for the young ones, and lights-out by a specific time is equally important.

Many schools have also recognised the importance of reinforcing emotional readiness for Grade 1 learners during the first week.

For those starting Grade 8 this time will be a major change, marking both a change in social environment and the beginning of a more demanding academic phase.

Maryna Besseling, a spokesperson for the South African Teachers’s union, says that parents should view this time, with all its challenges more as an opportunity, despite any pressure felt during this transition.

This is also a time when future planning becomes more important. Subject choices begin to shape the outlines of possible career paths, and learners are encouraged to think about further study, skills development, and long-term goals.

Many schools offer career guidance, subject counselling, and academic support to help learners navigate these decisions. If your school does, it is definitly worth speaking to the guidance counselor.

Academically, learners can expect a noticeable shift in workload and pace. All subjects become more specialised, and teachers place more emphasis on independent study and personal responsibility.

Regular standardised tests, group projects, and exams also become part of school life, making skills such as time management, study techniques, and organisation essential.

Socially, entering a new school at any time means adjusting to unfamiliar faces, routines, school geography and culture.

This means that learners may need time to find their place, form friendships and understand how expectations around behaviour and discipline differ between primary and high school.

Grade 8 camps, offered by many schools at this time, are often designed to help speed social integration as learners enter this part of their school careers.

Sports and cultural activities also play a vital role in high-school life, helping learners build confidence, discipline, a healthy lifestyle, and integration into the school community.

For many families, the start of the school year highlights the challenges of education, including transport, school fees, and stationery costs.

Here, planning is a key consideration, and most families find it helpful to plan ahead and prioritise spending where possible.

If you are experiencing a financial challenge, then you should approach your school, and find out if there are any community organisations that may be able to help.

Communication with schools will also become a part of daily life. Progress reports, parent meetings, school notices, and digital platforms require attention.
Staying informed about school activities in general will help parents support their children, both academically and emotionally.

Beyond academics, adults will need to support their children’s social and emotional wellbeing, as changes in friendships, peer pressure, and roller-coaster confidence levels may occur as children grow and adapt to their new environment.

While having children at school will be demanding, it will also offer moments of pride, progress, and growth.

Given the right mix of teachers, after-school activities, and friends, your children should develop the skills, resilience, and independence during their schooling that will see them succeed in their life long after school.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel