The First Day of School
The first day of school can be an exciting time for both you and your child. It’s a time to make new friends, learn about their curriculum and get used to their new classroom. But, for a lot of kids, it can also be a bit nerve-wracking and a little scary. It’s normal for them to feel a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and fear as they go away to start their new adventure, but there are some things that you can do to help ease the transition for both of you.
1. Give them a headstart on the first day with an induction session or two.
Having your child visit the school or their class and meet their teacher in person before the year begins can really give them a real sense of what to expect and how they will fit in. It also helps them feel reassured about their big step into secondary education as they will already be familiar with the place and the people.
2. Introduce them to the school supplies that they’ll need, and have them choose their own bags and pencils.
Taking your kid to the stationery shop and letting them pick out their own school supplies is a great way to let them express themselves while still being mindful of what they need for their schooling. They may also like to choose their own bag and pencils to take with them each day.
3. Create a routine that they can follow each morning and evening before they leave for school.
Creating a regular routine before they start school will be beneficial in the long run as it will make them more relaxed and ready to get up each morning. They will also be less likely to irritate their teacher or become a distraction in the classroom.
4. Be aware that children can be nervous on their first day of school, so don’t rush them.
Generally speaking, the butterflies will start to set in a few weeks before the actual day, and they should be prepared for this. If you are going to talk to them about their first day of school, it’s best to wait until a week or so before the first day as they will then be more receptive to the idea.
5. Use ice-breakers and activities to help them get to know each other in a fun way and discuss expectations and procedures for the classroom.
Be sure to alternate between these different types of activities as it gives students a chance to absorb the information and build a positive relationship with you. This will be much more effective than a single one-sided lesson on rules and procedures.
6. Say a welcoming word or two before you open the door to the classroom.
The first day of school can be a busy time for teachers, so be sure to greet each student by name and offer a handshake before they enter. This will show them that you care about their experience in your class and give you a chance to catch up with them in the future, should they need to speak with you about their progress.
