Making School Transition a Positive Experience

Kaechele Elementary School

By Karen Shaia

How to Support Your Child in Transition

• Emotional • Social • Physical

Emotional Support

• Do a self check if you are feeling stress or anxiety about the changes. Your child will pick up on these feelings and have a more difficult time adjusting.

• Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. If you are excited and confident, then your child will be too.

• Seek the positive. Request the school handbook or search the website for fun facts, photographs, and list of up- coming events. (Open House August 29; 1:00-1:30 Kindergarten, 1:30-2:30 Grades 1-5)

Emotional Support

• Brainstorm. “Knowledge is the best tool to reduce anxiety and if you can uncover the basis for your child’s concerns and problem solve ahead of time, then your child will have stronger coping skills.

• Use the ABCD model to address concerns• A=Ask What is the problem B=Brainstorm

many solutions C= Choose a solution D=Do it

Emotional Support

• Know your child’s temperament and how they cope with change.

• Affirm your child when they show positive adjustments to change.

Emotional Support

Practice transitions by drawing pictures and reading books about going to school.

• Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes by James Dean• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak• Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen, illustrated by Lillian Hoban• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes• I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child• Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate, illustrated by

Ashley Wolff• Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall• Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael

Emberley• Stuart Goes to School by Sara Pennypacker, illustration by Martin Matje

Click the links!

Emotional Support• Remind your children about other "firsts"

they've experienced and how well they handled them.

• Talk about successes they've experienced and the advantages of taking that first step.

Social Supports

• Attend school functions like spirit nights and open house

• Volunteer to help in school. • Be available to talk after school when your

child comes home. Use reflective listening to show understanding of what they are sharing.

• Use open ended questions about your child’s day.

Social Supports• “Future friends are everywhere”. Join a local church, camp or club to meet

other children and families.

• Make new friends but keep the old. Arrange play dates with new friends who are going to a new school and with old friends who are not moving.

• Socialize on purpose by having a have a cookout, party or get together at home where it is easier for children to feel comfortable making friends.

Physical Support

• Stick to a routine• Avoid the morning rush. Try to do all that you can

the night before school. • Make certain children are well rested. Begin the

early to bed, early to rise one to two weeks before school begins.

• Visit the bus stop, drive by the school• Write your teacher a letter • Introduce yourself and child to school personnel.

Physical Supports

• Stock up on school supplies ahead of time.• Most importantly let your child say goodbye to

you. They may climb on the bus or exit the car in the drop off line. This empowers them to be independent and grow in confidence.

K.E.S. Student Support

• Classroom teachers conduct Morning meetings• K.E.S. Motto creating positive citizenship• Character Education, N.E.D.• Monthly Classroom Guidance Sessions (friendship,

respecting differences, social skills, growing positive self esteem)

• Small group counseling or individual counseling for students

• Teachers and staff who will care for your children daily.

• Citations:• http://www.education.com/magazine/article/help-child-adjust-new-school/• • http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/moving/173-help-your-child-with-the-tran

sition.gs

• http://www.greatschools.org/back-to-school/preparation/25-adjusting-to-new-school.gs

• http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/helping-kids-adjust-to-school-useful-tips-for-parents-and-educators.htm

• • http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/family-matters/9-ways-help-your-child-adjust-

new-school.html

• http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/5-things-to-know-going-to-new-school.htm • —www.nasponline.org “HELPING CHILDREN TRANSITION TO A NEW SCHOOL:• TIPS FOR PARENTS IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES”