Ten Tips for a Great First Day of School!
Ten Tips for A Great First Day of School!
Many children are jittery on the first day of school. Listed are ways to prepare
your child for the big day!
-Read books about school.
-Talk to other children about school, especially siblings or neighborhood
friends. These "experts" can help answer any questions your child might ask.
-Visit the school and the classroom prior to the first day.
-Introduce your child to the new teacher before the first day of school.
-Use structure to foster independence.
*Establish a regular bedtime at least two weeks before the start of
school.
*Establish an unhurried morning routine to help your child get ready-
and feel ready-to take on the school day.
-Practice the school drop-off and pick-up procedure with your child.
-Play school! Role play imagined school scenes, such as asking restroom
permission or walking quietly in the hall.
-Transitional objects encourage and support the child through the school day.
*Select school supplies together, such as backpacks or lunchboxes.
*Place a family photo or special note inside your child's lunchbox.
-Plan to say good-bye quickly. Children are quick to "pick up" signs of
hesitation by parents and may become upset. MAKE THE SEPARATION CLEAN."
-Take a short time out at the end of the day and discuss your child's big
adventure!
Congratulations! You made it through Day One!
Even the most prepared child may have second thoughts about crossing the threshold
of the classroom. He or she may become shy,clingy, or tearful. If a parent anticipates
the child may need extra support, discuss your concerns with the teacher BEFORE the
first day. Short term support arrangements can be developed between parent, teacher,
and other school support personnel, such as the school counselor,should separation
difficulties continue beyond the first days of school.
Such arrangements might include:
-Allow the child to bring a "parent surrogate" to school, an object that
provides security to the child, such as a stuffed animal or favorite blanket.
-Arrange to have a friendly face meet your child at the school entrance and
escort the student to class. Praise your child for entering the class
independently!
Should your child demonstrate distress at separation, keep in mind, most departure
behavior ends shortly after the parent departs. Contact your child's teacher later in
the day to confirm the length of time your child continues to cry or refuse to join the
classroom activities. If your child settles down quickly, the chances that departure
behavior will improve each day is good, if the parent sticks by the established good-bye
routine.
If the teacher reports your child continues to demonstrate distress in ways that
impacts your child's participation and enjoyment of the day or is disruptive to the
academic environment of fellow classmates, ask for advice from the school on what you
ALL can do, as a team, to establish a positive entry into school.
One year or more at school will leave most children feeling more at ease with
predictable separations and more confident in their own budding social an cognitive
skills. Believe it or not, a week or so into summer vacation, don't be surprised when
your child says, "I'm really miss going to school!"
About the Author
Sheree S. Marty has worked with elementary school children as a school counselor for the past nine years. A physical education teacher for thirteen years, Ms. Marty earned her Master degree in Counseling in 2000. Ms. Marty is the author and owner of "Chinese Jump Rope", a childrens games book and website. For more information, visit http://chinesejumprope.tripod.com