Your child’s growth comes with the bittersweet reminder that ‘time flies’ by fast’. It probably seems that your child has just adjusted to preschool, and it’s time for another transition. This transition often comes with parents struggling with how and what to do to make it smoother. Here are some tips that can help you prepare your child for smoother transition from preschool to elementary school.
1. Talk to parents fellow parents
You can do this by joining your local parenting community or talking to other parents who have gone through the same phase. Having parents who understand what you are going through, can set your expectations from your child and the new school.
2. Give time to say goodbye
Your little one who was attached with his/her preschool undergoes emotion of separation alongside the pride and joy of graduating. It is the sadness of moving away from their favorite play home, missing their favorite teacher or separating from some of their childhood buddies. Let them have their last get together.
3. Always talk positive about going to school
Ask your child questions like what are you most excited about for your new school? Prompt your child of all the new and exciting things that he/she will do. This way you are making him/her comfortable with the change.
4. Meet with the new school team
Arrange for your child to meet his new teacher before school begins. Introduce your child with his teachers, guardians and help desk administrator. This prior meeting will remove the anxiety of starting the school year with unfamiliar faces.
5. Attend orientation program
When the new school calls for an orientation, go! Orientation programs generally allow children to see their classroom, get acquainted with the teachers and classmates. This is also a good chance to indicate your child the important locations in the new school, say bathrooms, classrooms, the lunch room, the main office, and the nurse’s office.
6. Enroll for before-school program
Before your child begins school, take an opportunity to learn about any before-school activities that may be taking place. These programs allow the child to make new friends and predominantly allows the school to give a foundation to your child about how school works, expected behaviour, routines etc.
7. Teach routines
Start a prep routine a few days ahead of the school re-opening. Begin with scheduling early bed times and early bed rise. Setting school uniform, books and other essentials will be a good idea.
8. Questions or concerns
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school before-hand to clarify. You should be well acquainted with school rules and regulations. And also keep the school informed of your child’s needs or allergies.
9. Establish two way communication
Ensure that you know the right mode of conversation with the school. Make note of important contact numbers/email address and also drop your contact details at the school for any sort of communication.
10. Grumpiness and tantrums? It will pass
Attending school for longer duration can be a big change for passed out pre-schoolers. It’s common of a child to get fussy and cry about going to school in initial days. It is this time that you have to hold firm and allow the school counsellors help your child settle down in school regardless of your child’s reluctance. Remember, the consistent you are in sending the child to school, the easier the transition!
11. Pat yourself! You’ve put in lot of efforts to get your child to this stage. Take at least a few moments to reflect back on your journey to get your child outshine his first milestone.
Hurrah to your child’s growth and successes!
