Starting school for some students can be a rough transition. I have seen temper tantrums, full day crying episodes and disengagement from learning because they can’t stop thinking about home. These students do need some extra attention. To make the day smoother for all parties involved, I have a few tricks I’ll share with you to help ease the process.
- First let the student and parent know that these reactions and emotions are normal. Every student adjusts differently to beginning school. Also, let them know there are steps each person can take help make school a positive experience.
- A parent can try some role-play at home. Use puppets or stuffed animals and have them act out coping strategies. For example, “Lizzy doesn’t want to leave mom and go to school. What can she do to make herself feel better when she is gone? Maybe talk to the teacher or counselor.”
- Parents need to make their “Goodbyes” quick. This is the MOST important advice I give parents. If a child sees you are upset too, or hanging around the class window, it validates their fear.
- Parents should attend Meet Your Teacher events and visit the school for a tour prior to school beginning. Knowing your environment helps calms everyone’s fears.
- Teachers can also do role play and other activities to let the whole class know how to solve normal stress in school. Ask other students how they deal with being away from home. The first week of school, you can read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. Then, I send a home connection activity where parents add a picture and personal sweet message to their child. We refer to it all year, as needed.
- Let children talk about their fears.
- Have a “Safe Place” in your class, where a student can go when they are upset. Have calming breathing exercises, or some stress balls there for them to focus on to distract them from their fear.
- Read books about other kids starting school. The Night Before Kindergarten or Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten are great books.