It’s time to start thinking about those three little words: back to school. If your kids are making the move to a new school this year, whether they’ve outgrown their old one or because you’ve moved to a new neighbourhood, here are 10 tips for making the transition as smooth as possible.
Stay positive and be patient
Remember those butterflies from your first day of school? It can be a nerve-wracking time for many kids, so remember to practise patience and positivity in the weeks leading up to the first day.
Remind them you’re a team
Many kids feel like they’re all alone when heading to a new school, especially if they’ve been used to a virtual classroom over the past couple of years. Let them know that you’re there to support them any way you can.
Keep their at-home workspace similar
Sudden change can be daunting, so minimize changes at home, such as their go-to work or play space. A familiar spot to do their homework after school can be comforting.
Get familiar with the neighbourhood
It’s a good idea to explore neighbourhood amenities together with your child, like parks and community centres—they might meet some local kids that you can plan playdates with. Need help? We can provide a neighbourhood report showcasing the features of your new area. Contact us today.
Tour the school
Appease their fear of the unknown with a visit to their new school before the first day. Many schools allow and even organize visits so kids can familiarize themselves with their new classroom, and learn what to expect on Day One.
Talk to teachers about concerns
If your child is anxious about heading to school or has individual learning needs, it’s a good idea to give their teacher(s) a heads-up beforehand to help them prepare.
Spend time together and encourage their hobbies
Use the last of the summer holidays to spend quality time with kids before they go back to school and nurture their hobbies. Sports, arts, music—these interests can take their mind off of school, give them confidence, and can become interests they can pursue during the school year.
Give them some control
Being told they’re starting a new school can make kids feel like they have a lack of control, so it helps to empower them at home. For example, let them pick their own school outfits, lunch bags, snacks, and school supplies.
Keep a routine
After getting used to a summer schedule, it’s helpful to get into a back-to-school routine quickly. This could include setting wake-up and bed times, creating homework hours, limiting screen time, and even choosing familiar foods for breakfast and lunches.
Wait a bit to reunite with old friends
Leaving old friends can be the hardest part about starting a new school. While it’s natural for kids to want to see their old friends, focusing on forming new friendships before returning to old ones can make the adjustment easier.
