Adjusting To A New School?

Ways To Help Make Your Child's First Day Easier.

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

6. Stock Up On Supplies

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.

And So To School...

Here’s how you can help your child adjust in the new environment

The start of a new school year is a great time to re-evaluate family routines and set guidelines to help your child succeed. Going back to school doesn’t have to mean homework fights and bedtime protests. Set homework schedules with your kids and talk about these rules and daily routines before school starts. Then, enforce family rules consistently.

This time often means changes for children - a new year, new classrooms and new teachers. Such milestones in children's lives can cause anxiety, too. Helping children adapt to new situations can ease parents minds and give them a chance to become involved in their children's education.

What stresses kids about school?
A new school year brings that wonderful feeling of having a fresh start, catching up with old friends, and making progress by moving up a grade. But there’s no denying that it can be stressful too. Parents need to understand that it is natural for most kids to feel a mix of emotions, such as excitement and nervousness about whether they’ll do well enough in school this year. Many kids in middle school or older classes may also have trouble making friends, being judged, or being teased.
First Day Fun
Most teachers kick off the school year by introducing themselves and talking about all the stuff they will be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class. When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often cover classroom rules so kids know how they are supposed to behave. This is a good time for your child to clarify any rule she does not understand. The first day of school is your child’s chance to find her way around a new school, or learn the pathways to new classes in her old school. It's a good idea to note down class timetables.

How Parents Can Help
• Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change.
• Start daily routines that will add to continuity. Let your child become involved with packing lunch or laying out her uniform.
• Encourage them to start their day with a nutritious breakfast. If there is no time, then a glass of milk and a small snack will do as they run out the door.
• In the evening, talk to them about their day in school and check if they need to do any homework.