When you think back to when you started your last “new” job, do you remember how you
felt on your first day? More than a little anxious
about how things would go - praying the commute would be problem-free - hoping your coworkers would be easy to get
along with - wondering what your boss
would be like - and just hoping to fit in.
Now, imagine what your child must feel like going into a new grade - or a new school. They
have the same kinds of worries you would have. Here are some things you can do
to help them through this time of transition.
Use books to start conversations. Go to the library or local bookstore to
get some back-to-school stories. You’ll
find there are many to select from, geared to many different age levels. You can use these stories to talk to your child
about any fears they may have, and help turn those fears to anticipation and
excitement.
Tour the school. If you child is switching to a new school, a visit
during the weeks before school begins can be a big comfort. Call the school office and ask if you can
schedule a tour, or just come for an informal visit. Learn where homeroom is. Walk through the library. Play on the
playground. Find the bathrooms! Those things make a big difference.
Meet the teacher. Take advantage of any opportunity for your
child to meet their teacher before school begins. If you can find a picture of the teacher on
the school web site, post it on the fridge so the teacher’s face becomes
familiar to your child.
Start the transition ahead of time. Many kids
have ignored their sleep schedule during the summer months. The weeks before school begins is a good time
for the whole family to ease back into the school-year schedule to ensure your
child gets enough sleep.
Practice! Let your child organize their school supplies and a work area in a quiet
place at home. And if they’ll be using a combination lock, make sure they practice
opening and locking it until they have that skill down pat. Another valuable organizational skill is the
ability to use a planner. Even first
grade isn’t too early to use a planner – they have them for children of all
ages. If the school doesn’t require that
they use one, get one for your child and help them learn how to use it: write
down every homework assignment, every upcoming test, and every project.
Find friends. Try to get the class list in advance or find
out which teacher your child will have. If you find that your child's best
friend isn't in her new class, arrange a play date with someone who is. If your child is attending a new school and
doesn’t know anyone, talk to them about how to make friends, and what it means
to be a good friend. You can role play
to help them learn how to begin conversations and initiate play activities.
Address the gaps.
Finally, if you find that your child has missed some early foundational
skills, there may be gaps in reading, writing or math. At the #TutoringClubJacksonville, we identify these skill gaps with our
diagnostic evaluations, and develop a customized plan for your child to get
them back on track quickly. Call us at 268-8556 to enroll your child today!
