The summer is just about over. No more going to bed late, sleeping
in every morning, or playing outside until dark. Now the routine
has to change. Beginning kindergarten, going back to primary
school, or to a child care program usually means two things
to a young child: 1) a stricter time schedule; and 2) adapting
to a different caregiver, classroom, teacher, school, friends,
or academic challenges. These new experiences can bring on stress
or cause children to resist necessary adjustments. Even as adults,
we sometimes feel uncomfortable or anxious when facing a new
situation. Think how overwhelming it must be for young children
who have far less experience in dealing with the unknown! Smooth
transitions can be accomplished if the adults who care for children
try to view the situation from the child’s perspective.
Here are some tips on what you can do to make going back to
school a pleasurable experience.
Prepare in advance
Young children always feel more comfortable if they know what
to expect. Before the new school year begins, family members
can explain to children how their daily routines will change.
Precisely describe what the morning routines will be in age-appropriate
terms. Some children may enjoy creating a pictorial chart to
include each step of the morning schedule.
Try getting up earlier a couple of days before the new school
year begins and explain why you’re doing it. This may prevent
your child from being confused, groggy, cranky, or refusing
to get out of bed on the first day of the new program.
Discuss how the school or child care environment will be different
from the previous year. Many schools and child care professionals
invite families to visit the classroom and new teacher before
the school year begins. If possible, take advantage of these
opportunities to allow the child to meet the teacher or caregiver,
find his classroom, the bathroom, and the playground. These
one-hour visits can be valuable to children because they’ll
be exposed to their new surroundings and still find comfort
in going home with a familiar adult or loved one. Make the visit
extra special by going out for ice cream or to the park afterwards.
Reading books with children is a great way to introduce any
experience. They can see how other children beginning school
or a new program have the same feelings of uncertainty and how
they overcome them.
Involve children in preparing for school. For example, they
can lay out their clothes, pack a back pack, or select a favorite
toy or photo to take with them to the program.
Talk about feelings
Encourage children to describe how they feel about the "new
year" and try to ease any fears they may have.
Parents may also feel sad or fearful about their children going
off to kindergarten or being transferred to a learning environment
for older children. If your emotions are too obvious, you may
spoil your child’s enthusiasm for the first day. Exude
confidence and good feelings when saying good-bye.
Avoid yelling if your child resists getting up from bed, brushing
his teeth, or getting dressed, and expect an occasional meltdown.
Beginning something new can be stressful and adjustment takes
a lot of concentration and effort. Child care professionals,
teachers, and families should expect--and be prepared to handle--a
few tears and other emotional displays from young children.
Be there
If possible, arrive at the new school or program early on the
first few days to help the child settle in. The teacher or caregiver
may also be available to talk one-on-one with your child before
the day’s learning begins.
It is also important to arrange for predictable pick-up schedules.
Children need to feel confident from the beginning that they
can count on a loved one to come back and to come when they
said they would. Use the commute to ease the transition between
school and home.
How adults handle transitional situations can set the stage
for how well a child adjusts to other challenges in life. Those
who love and care for children can help them adapt by making
preparations in advance, clearly explaining the changes about
to take place, and listening if doubts or fears develop.
Reproduced
with permission from the National Association for the Education
of Young Children
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