Preparing your child for their first day at school

After such a lovely summer break, it’s understandable if your child is reluctant to go back to school. Starting school is a big step for any child, but there are ways to help them feel more comfortable as they begin this new phase. For those children who are returning to school, you just have to motivate them of the exciting academic year ahead. Most children are anxious and excited on the first day of school each year. On the first day and as they settle in to their new routine, here are a few tips on how to help your child:

Making the first day of school easier:

• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: Say ‘It will be fun’. They will see old friends, make new ones. Refresh your child’s memory about previous years, when he/she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because he/she had a good time.
• Remind your child that he/she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will be making an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Review all your child's accomplishments from last year, and talk about the interesting things he/she will learn in the months ahead.
• Buy something (perhaps a pen or pencil) that will remind them that you are thinking of them while he/she is at school, or put a note in their lunch-box.
• Reassure your child that if any problems arise at school, you will help resolve them. (If problems do occur, get involved as soon as possible.)
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. If your child is older, have her offer to walk to school or wait at the bus stop with a new or younger child.
• If your child is not going to ride a school bus and you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with them) to school and pick them up the first day.
• Encourage your child to look for new students in their classroom or in the playground, invite them to join the group for a game, and ask them about their interests.
• After school, show your child some special attention and affection. Give them a hug and ask what happened at school. Did they have fun? Did they make any new friends? Do they need any additional school supplies (notebooks, rulers, erasers) that you can shop for together?

Here are some suggestions to make the transition easier for first timers at school:

• Talk with your child about their feelings, both about their excitement and concerns at the new school.
• Visit the school with your child in advance of the first day. Teachers and staff are usually at school a few days before the children start. Peek into your child's classroom, and if possible, meet the teacher and principal. You might be able to address some of your child's concerns at that time. Your child may have no questions until they actually see the building and can visualise what it will be like.
• Try to have your child meet a classmate before the first day so they can get acquainted and play together, and so your child will have a friendly face to look for when school begins.
• Do not build up unrealistic expectations about how wonderful the new school will be, but convey a general sense of optimism about how things will go for your child at the new school. Remind your child that teachers and other students will be making an extra effort to welcome them.
• If your child sees another student or a group engaged in an activity he/she is interested in, encourage them to participate.
• As soon as you can, find out what activities are available for your child in addition to those that occur during school itself.