Whether your child is starting school for the first time, changing schools, getting a new Guide, or simply switching from a summer routine to a school year routine, the start of a new school year can bring up a lot of emotions for both of you. Here are some ways you can help your child prepare for these big changes.
1. Validate Your Child’s Feelings
Allow your child to express their feelings about school. You can use validating phrases such as, “I understand that.” “I’ve felt that way before.” “That’s hard.” You can also encourage them to keep talking with phrases like, “Tell me more.” or “Help me understand more about that.”
2. Practice Ahead of Time
Familiarity
Consider visiting the Greenspring campus ahead of time to walk around the grounds and play on the playground. (It would be great to do this several times if possible.) You might also use our Family Directory to reach out to the families in your child’s class so you can set up playdates over the summer.
We also invite children to a classroom visit day, giving them one-on-one time with the Guide. When you visit, consider taking pictures of your child in the classroom and ask the Guide/Assistant to take a picture with your child. These can be used later to spark conversations about school. You might print them out so that your child can look at them often during the days leading up to school to help them establish familiarity with the adults in their classroom. All of these experiences will help your child feel more comfortable on the first day.
Excitement
You can offer a sense of autonomy by involving your child in picking out school supplies from the supply list. By looking through the list and talking about some of the items such as a new lunchbox or rain boots, your child will likely get excited about the things they will be able to do at school.
Separation
If this is your child’s first school experience, it’s important to practice separation. Use the childcare room at the gym or have your child spend some time at a friend’s house to practice saying goodbye and coming back. If your child is struggling, start with just five minutes and build up from there.
New Routines
Start implementing the school morning routine well before school starts. Set an alarm for the new wake up time, and practice all the steps that you will do on a regular school day. Visual cues can be very helpful. Consider using a picture checklist for morning tasks or a picture calendar so your child can visualize the week.
Recommended Reading with Children
It can also be helpful for your child to see their situation reflected in stories. Here are a few book recommendations to read through with your child in preparation for the big day.
- Bye Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
- First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and Judy Love
- School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson
- Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
3. Lead by Example
Your child will pick up on your emotions. If you are nervous about the new school year (which is normal), make sure you have a place to share those that is not in front of your child. When talking about the new school year around your child, focus on positivity and model excitement. For example, “I can’t wait to hear all about your first day!”
It may take some time for your child to get settled. Be in partnership with your child’s teacher and the school to talk through ways to ease the transition for your child. The most important piece is for you to stay consistent with your child.
Have a safe and happy school year!
