For any child, beginning a new school is a significant event. They will have to meet new teachers, get to know new classmates and learn about the new routines. In some cases, the excitement begins immediately, while in other cases it takes a bit longer to get used to the new school. In both situations, this is entirely normal. There are a number of simple things that a parent can do in order to make the change easier and to help their child feel more confident when they start their new school. The suggestions listed below may be of some help.
- Discuss the new school before the first day arrives.
Children usually feel more at ease when they know what to expect. Before the first day, talk in a positive and open manner about the new school, and discuss what their day might be like, where they will be going and some of the people they are likely to meet. Make sure your child has plenty of chances to ask questions as well.
Rather than just asking, “Are you excited?”, use questions like:
- What are you looking forward to?
- Are there any concerns that you have?
- What do you want to know concerning your new school?
It becomes simpler for children to discuss both the exciting and the more difficult aspects of beginning something new.
- Become acquainted with the school.
Getting used to a new environment can make it seem a lot less threatening. A way of achieving this sense of familiarity is to go to the school before your child begins. If you can, go to the school before your child begins. Seeing their classroom, walking around the campus and meeting some of the staff can help make a place you’re unfamiliar with one that your child comes to know. You might also go through the school’s website or look at the photos together and discuss what your child can expect. Even small details for example, knowing where they will enter the school or what their classroom looks like can help children feel more prepared for their first day.
- Maintain your home routines as they are
Since starting a new school involves a great deal of change, it can be reassuring to keep other aspects of your child’s routine the same. Having a regular home routine can help to counteract this change. In the days leading up to school, establish regular times for:
- Going to bed
- Waking up
- Eating breakfast
- Getting dressed
- Preparing their school bag
Having a routine in the morning also helps the first few days of school feel calmer. Prepare the uniforms, bags, and all the other things your child will need the evening before so your morning won’t be so rushed and your child will have more time to focus on the day ahead.
- Aid your child in forming friendships
For many children, one of the biggest questions about starting a new school is simple:
Will I make friends?
Friendships can be important in making children feel as though they belong, which is why it is so helpful to encourage small social steps. Encourage your child to introduce themselves, take part in various activities and speak to other pupils, but don’t put pressure on them to make a best friend right away. Certain children form friendships rather quickly while others take longer to do so. Schools can help too. Our friendship and buddy support programs can help new students meet other children and feel part of their new school community. Sometimes knowing just one friendly face can make a big difference.
5. Allow your child to get used to the new situation.
It might be tempting to assess the success of a new school during the first few days, but you should give your child some time and then look for step-by-step progress. To start a new place you have to learn a great deal all at once. Children are adjusting to new teachers, the expectations of the classroom, new friendships, the routines and the surroundings. Certain children get used to their new environment rather quickly whereas others take several weeks before they are fully at ease. Instead of each day asking your child if they “like Northview”, ask them more specific questions.
For example:
- What was the highlight of your day?
- What company did you keep today?
- What made you laugh?
- Did you learn anything new?
- Was anything difficult today?
They can lead the way to a great deal more productive discussions regarding how your child is actually getting on.
- Attention to their concerns
When your child tells you that they are worried about school, don’t immediately jump in to solve the problem or tell them that there is no need to worry. Listen first. What may appear to an adult to be a minor issue can seem very significant to a child. Taking the time to listen first can indeed make a real difference. When you know what is worrying them, you and they can then discuss possible ways of helping.
For instance, a child who was worried about not knowing anyone could benefit from making a plan to introduce themselves to one new person, and a child who was anxious about finding their classroom would feel better if they went through their school routine once again. Small solutions can make big worries seem a great deal more manageable.
- Keep in contact with your child’s teachers
If parents and teachers cooperate, they can make the process of moving to a new school much smoother. Teachers get to see another aspect of your child while he or she is at school, which is why it’s helpful for you to stay in contact so that you can understand how your child is getting on.
Teachers and members of the pastoral staff support students as they get used to school, and ongoing communication and regular follow-ups help families stay connected. If you have anything that is worrying your child at home, you should let the school know. In the same way, feedback from the teachers can help you to understand how your child is getting on during the day. What open communication means is that small issues can usually be dealt with before they turn into bigger ones.
- Celebrate Small Wins
It isn’t necessary for all the achievements in the early weeks to be academic. Simple daily successes can be just as significant.
Your child might:
- Remember where their classroom is
- Join a playground game.
- Try a Get some help from a teacher.cher for help.
- Be home with excitement over something that has occurred.
By identifying these situations, children are able to notice the progress they are making. Saying something like “That does sound like a great day” or “It took a lot of bravery to have tried that” can help to build up a person’s confidence without making them feel as though they are being put to the test.
How long does it take for a child to get used to a new school?
There isn’t a definite time frame since every child is different, which is why it’s better to emphasize slow progress rather than stick to a specific timeline. Every child is different. The speed at which a child settles can be influenced by their age, personality, earlier experiences at school, and the reason for changing schools. What is important is to seek out steady progress rather than expecting everything to be comfortable right away. If your child still appears to be extremely unhappy or anxious about school, you should talk to their teacher or our school counsellors; working together will help to determine what sort of support your child needs.
Helping Your Child Feel They Belong
In the end, the key to helping a child get used to a new school is to give them a sense of security and make them feel like they belong. All of the steps mentioned are aimed at achieving that objective. Make them aware of what to expect. Ensure that communication remains open. Allow enough time for friendships to grow. Keep in touch with their teachers. And celebrate the small steps taken along the way. Most important of all, allow your child to have some time. Beginning a new school is a big change, but it can mark the start of an exciting new chapter if the proper support is available.
Starting a New School at Northview?
We understand that choosing and starting a new school is a big step for the whole family. Our teachers, pastoral team and school community work together to help new students feel welcomed, supported and confident as they settle in. If you are considering our school for your child, book a school tour and come and meet our community.