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How can I Prepare my Child for a New School?
The first step in preparing your child to attend a new school is recognizing the fact that any big change, even if it’s ultimately a good change, can create stress. Talk to your child about the new school and allow him or her to express feelings and concerns. Don’t be too quick to say, “There’s nothing to worry about.” Instead, talk through concerns with your children and help them find ways to alleviate fears.
One good way to ease some of the fear about attending a new school is to help children become more familiar with the surroundings. Visit the school, and while you’re en route, point out landmarks so they will be familiar as your child passes them on the bus or in the car each morning. When you arrive at the new school, take a tour.
Spend a good deal of time exploring the playground, the hallways, and your child’s classroom. Help your youngster find his or her way around the new school, pointing out the library, the music room, the lunch room, the gym, and the office. Your son or daughter might even enjoy creating a map of the new school for easy reference.
It is also important to introduce your little one to as many people as possible, from the principal of the new school to coaches and other staff members they are likely to come into contact with, such as the school nurse. It is especially important that your child meet his or her main teacher. If possible, it is also helpful to introduce your son or daughter to some of the other children.
If your child already knows children who attend the new school, try to schedule an outing or two with those kids before school starts. Boys and girls are less anxious if they know someone else and do not feel like complete strangers. Also, work with your child to overcome shyness and to reach out to others to make new friends.
A new school can seem a bit intimidating, but it can also be very exciting. Stress the positive aspects, such as trying out for sports and making new friends. Your help and encouragement can certainly make the transition to a new school much easier.
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![It's often helpful to familiarize a new student with a school's staff.]()
By: Monkey BusinessIt's often helpful to familiarize a new student with a school's staff. -
![To prepare for a new school, make sure your child knows what time the bus will pick them up in the morning.]()
By: sonya etchisonTo prepare for a new school, make sure your child knows what time the bus will pick them up in the morning. -
![Spending time exploring their new school and classroom may help a child acclimate.]()
By: Szasz-Fabian ErikaSpending time exploring their new school and classroom may help a child acclimate. -
![Parents can work with children to overcome shyness and reach out to others to make new friends.]()
By: micromonkeyParents can work with children to overcome shyness and reach out to others to make new friends.
Discussion Comments
I'd also say try to make friends with neighbors who have children who will attend school with your child so he or she will already have a friend or two when they start school. That's a huge boost, since the child knows they're not completely alone when they start the new school year. It could make all the difference in whether the child has a successful school year or not.
These are good tips. Familiarity will help more than anything, since it builds a child's confidence to be somewhat familiar with new surroundings. This helps alleviate that lost feeling that so often comes with going to a new school.
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