Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or starting a new grade as a returning student, there\u2019s lots to be done to prepare for the year ahead, including checking in about their fears, anxieties, and concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As summer winds down, it\u2019s natural for kids to experience nervousness \u2014 after all, your child is entering a structured group setting after months away. Some children will accept the change with joy, while others may need a bit more hand-holding to acclimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChildren enter the school year with different skills, goals, and social-emotional<\/a> aptitudes,” says Heather O’Connor, a 3rd grade teacher in Connecticut. “Teachers know this and strive to foster a strong relationship with each student from the moment they enter the classroom community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n O\u2019Connor encourages parents to reach out to their child\u2019s teacher before the first day of school with questions or concerns. Since parents know their child best, this communication sets everyone up for a successful year ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBack-to-school will always be accompanied by a certain amount of nervous excitement or anxiety, but as a parent you can minimize fear of the unknown by being positive about school,\u201d O\u2019Connor says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The below tips from O\u2019Connor can help your family make a smooth transition into the school year ahead and give your child a new perspective on the joys of the classroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the new school year begins, familiarize your child with the general layout of the school to help them feel more comfortable on their first day. Even if your child is returning to the same school, they may benefit from reorienting themselves with the building from the perspective of their new classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child\u2019s teachers do not invite families to visit ahead of time, you can still take a trip to the school to see the building and the playground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stories with characters your child can relate to \u2014 especially those with characters attending their first day of kindergarten \u2014 are useful for relieving first-day jitters and providing a boost of confidence where needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also check out these comforting books about the first day of school<\/a>. You\u2019re sure to find a read-aloud that allows you moments to pause and ask your child what they\u2019re feeling or thinking about in terms of the year ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Social-emotional learning is a popular topic among educators today \u2014 and is being integrated into the curriculum in many school districts. Social-emotional learning refers to the ways in which children build healthy relationships with themselves and with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This framework of self-awareness can begin at home. When discussing back-to-school, you might gauge your child\u2019s thoughts about the classroom. Ask them what they are looking forward to and what they are interested in learning, along with any concerns they might have. (Some children might have worries about being bullied, for example. Scholastic has resources for discussing bullying with your child.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading together is a great way to start the conversation. Alexandra Penfold\u2019s Big Feelings<\/em><\/a> <\/em>is the perfect read to help children navigate the emotional challenges they face in their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like adults make intentions for the new year, students can do the same for the new school year. O\u2019Connor, the 3rd grade teacher, recommends choosing a \u201cfocus word\u201d with your child every month that represents their intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince children are still learning the concept of time, set a word for each month,\u201d she says. \u201cTo reflect their back-to-school experience, September words might include friendship, perseverance, or kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents can then use this word to start conversations at home about your child\u2019s classroom experience and progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis allows parents an entry into conversations with their child,\u201d O\u2019Connor says. \u201cAsk questions like, \u2018What’s one way you lived your word today, friendship?\u2019 Your child might reply, \u2018I saw someone standing alone so I went over and asked her if she wanted to swing with me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set up a book nook at home over the summer to develop a reading routine<\/a> by fall. This way, you and your child (or just your child, if they\u2019re already reading independently) will have a place to read when they get home from school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou definitely want to keep it clear of any distractions,\u201d suggests O\u2019Connor. \u201cMake sure the space includes a shelf or basket with books that your child may want to read next. Consider books in the same series or from a variety of genres: Poetry, graphic novels, historical fiction, mysteries, and biographies are all important for exposing your child to new words and worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to providing access to an array of literary options, be sure to keep a paper and a pencil nearby so your child can draw or write about their book if they wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designating items as \u201cback to school,\u201d like an outfit or backpack, makes preparing for the school year a ritual and can stoke excitement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You and your child can pick out new books during this time as well \u2014 and the titles don\u2019t necessarily have to be about school. Refreshing their library at the start of each school year can be an annual tradition with the intention of starting anew and resetting your child\u2019s mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour child might inscribe the inside cover with what they’re most excited about in the new grade,\u201d O\u2019Connor says. \u201cAt the end of the year, they can add some of their favourite grade-level memories. Now you have a keepsake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gauge your child\u2019s interests<\/a> at the end of summer to see how their curiosity has evolved and what\u2019s new. Ask them what topic they really want to learn about in the school year ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Book sets<\/a> are a great way to pinpoint books and topics that allow them to continue exploring their passions. Maybe they want to read the Dog Man series<\/a> or dive into an entirely new series that piques their interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis opens up another opportunity to create excitement around learning,\u201d O\u2019Connor says. \u201cAsk your child what they already know and what they wonder about. Your child can research the topic to become an expert.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most teachers will build in time for their students to showcase new learning, O\u2019Connor adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Visit the school or classroom before the first day.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
2. Read books about starting school.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. Talk to your child about their feelings about school, friends, teachers, and new activities.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. Set intentions with your child for the school year ahead.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
5. Leave time to read for fun.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
6. Gather the supplies they need for a successful school year.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
7. Encourage your child to pursue a passion project this year.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n