Whether your child is moving to a new neighbourhood or making the leap to middle or high school, the first few weeks may be filled with anxiety as well as excitement. These 10 tips will help your child make a smooth transition to her new school.
1. Make It A Team Effort
Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast and pack a healthy snack to help her get through the day. If you're choosing among a few schools, talk with your child about what each school has to offer. When the time comes to select specific classes, make sure your child is part of the process.
2. Keep A Positive Focus
As the first day draws near, begin talking to your child about her expectations, hopes and fears for the upcoming school year. Reassure her that other children are having the same feelings and that she's sure to have a great year. Present school as a place where she'll learn new things and make friends.
3. Encourage School Involvement
Though you don't want your child to become over-committed, it's important to encourage participation in one or two activities
that particularly interest her. She's more likely to get engaged academically if she feels connected through a school activity, club or sport. Talk to her about her goals for the school year and how she might like to be involved in school outside of the classroom.
4. Get Enough Z's
If your child has enjoyed a vacation of late nights and lazy mornings, getting her up for school on the first day can be difficult. Help make this transition easier by starting her school-year sleep routine a week or two in advance.
5. Take A Trial Run
Take some time before the start of school to make sure you and your child know where to go and what to do on that first morning. Show your child where the bus stop is, or, if she walks, map out the safest route to school, avoiding vacant lots and places where there aren't a lot of people. Warn your child to always walk with a friend and scout out safe houses to go to in case of emergency. If you can find out what classroom your child will be in, visit the classroom ahead of time so she knows exactly where to go in the morning. You may even want to call the school in advance to find out about any special first-day procedures
On or before the first day of school, make sure you or your child finds out what school supplies and materials are required. Most schools should provide a handy list for the younger grades, but if not, take it upon yourself to ask and then purchase them as soon as possible. Middle and high school students should be sure to take along a notebook and pen or pencil on the first day.
7. Prepare The Night Before
To avoid the morning rush, organise what you can the night before. Lay out clothes, make a lunch and assemble any supplies your child may need. Be sure to get everyone up extra early so you'll have plenty of time to calmly get ready and get out the door on time.
8. Get A Healthy Start
Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast and pack a healthy snack to help her get through the day.
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