Starting a New School

Starting a new school can be a traumatic process for both parent and child. Here are a few tips for a smoother transition.

Talk to Your Child

Introduce the idea of of a new school weeks or even a month ahead of time. Talk to child about how they will learn and meet new friends in school. Also, discuss the activities they will participate in and crafts that they can bring home and show you that they made. This will allow your child to get comfortable with the idea of the school.

You might also want to try explaining their schedule on the first day. Explain the following:

• Dropped off and how (mommy, daddy, caregiver) will drop them off in the morning
• Playtime and circle time
• Lunch and
• Pick up - explain how (mommy, daddy, and caregiver) will return to pick them up at the end of the day.

If a child can visualize their day, it may help to alleviate their fear.

Start Gradually

Like any other change that your child will experience starting gradually is a good idea. Begin the process with a few visits to the school. Introduce your child to the staff and let them get acquainted with their new surroundings. Since your child will now recognize their new school facility and staff this may help to make the first day easier.

Allow extra time for dropping your child off for the first few weeks in case she has trouble saying good-bye. Even if your child is upset, it is important that she knows you are leaving instead of you slipping out while she is distracted. Develop and practice a routine for getting ready to go so neither you nor your child are anxious and stressed in the morning.

The Goddard  School understands the importance of your child’s first learning experience. Stop in and see the difference Goddard can make.