A new school year - September 2021

 
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The start of the new school year is fast approaching so we thought we would share some helpful tips on how to feel prepared and ready for the new school term.

  1. Get that uniform sorted, named and ready

    If you haven’t already, then now is the time to get the old uniform out. Check what still fits and what needs replacing and then plan that shopping trip. And remember, to name EVERYTHING… you don’t need to sew in fancy labels, a marker pen is just as effective. It saves so much time and money in the long run not having to hunt down or replace lost items.

  2. Get back in the swing of things with a bit more structure

    Hopefully, you and your child/ren have had an opportunity to relax and unwind from the pressures of last year! Children need to relax and play and enjoy themselves, however, the transition from holiday to the classroom can be a real shock to the system unless you do a little bit of preparation.

    The school environment demands many things that summer activities don’t - the ability to sit still; get organised; stay on task; and adapt to a new, structured daily routine. Talking together about your morning routine so they understand the expectations; adding more routine to bedtimes and starting to wake up a bit earlier; playing some games together that require sitting and focussing - chess, monopoly, cards … can all help with the transition back to a more structured day!

  3. Talk about the new school year

    Let your child/ren know that any nerves or feelings of apprehension about the new school year are completely normal and that you are there to listen if needed; knowing this will help your child/ren to feel heard and understood.

    Good questions to get a conversation started include:

    • What are you looking forward to most?

    • What is your funniest memory of school so far?

    • What are you hoping to achieve this year?

    • Are you worried about anything?

    • What do you already know about your new teacher?

  4. Get to know your child/rens new teacher

    Sending your child/ren off to spend the day with a stranger can feel hard for you. The good news is that your child/ren’s teacher doesn’t need to be a stranger. Make sure you attend any information evenings, read newsletters and look at the school website. Wait until the busy first week is out of the way and then send a hello message.

    Teachers get to know a child’s family through the child’s eyes, and they get to know how a child behaves without their parents/ carers present. This means you can get all kinds of information about your child from their teacher - information about learning difficulties and peer problems as well as academic achievements and close friendships. Teachers are allies, and you should talk to them regularly.

    Good questions to ask include:

    • How is my child doing?

    • Do you have any concerns about their social or academic skills?

    • Do you think they need my help with anything?

    And most importantly, remember that children pick up on your emotions and feelings so modelling confidence and calm behaviour can help your child/ren to feel more confident and calm about the new term.

 
Rebekah Sammut