Starting to attend a new school can be an exciting yet challenging time for children. It is normal for students to feel strange for some time during their transition. This is especially true if their family has moved and they are also experiencing a new environment at home. When children are stressed, it is obvious that they can sometimes act out and show a disinterest in the hobbies and social events they used to enjoy and love. Your child can adapt to their new environment with the right guidance and support. In this blog, we will share tips & strategies for helping students adjust to new schools after school transfer.
Why Is It Important to Help Your Child Adjust to a New School?
Adjusting to a new school can be challenging for children, as they are unfamiliar with the environment, new fellow students, and different routes, all of which may become overwhelming. As a parent, it is essential to understand the obstacles your child may face during this period of transition and to help them navigate this challenging time.
Common Challenges Faced by Children
One of the most common challenges faced by children when they take admission into a new school is making new friends. This can be especially difficult for children who are shy or introverted. To overcome this, you should encourage your child to be outgoing and friendly, and to participate in group activities or clubs that match with their interests.
Another challenge is adapting to the academic curriculum and environment. Your child may be used to a different teaching style, curriculum, or grading system. It may help if you talk to their teachers and ask them for resources for additional support if needed.
Finding the unfamiliar environment around the new school can be hard for your child. They might not know where their classrooms are or how to get around the building. You can help by walking around the school with them and showing them important places. Tell them to ask school staff for help if they think they may be lost.
Useful Tips for Parents to Help Their Child Adjust
Moving to a new school can be tough for kids. They have to make new friends and get used to new teachers. It takes time to settle in. But they can adjust more easily with a positive attitude and a little patience. The following tips are designed to support your child both physically and mentally. These mainly include:
Helping Your Child Embrace Uncertainty
Change can be scary, and children can feel nervous when things change. You should start by talking to your child about any worries they may have about starting a new school admission. You should let them know that feeling unsettled when there is a change. However, they don’t have to allow their emotions to control what they do.
Make Things Easier for Your Child
If your child is feeling stressed about their new admission and school responsibilities, it may help if you temporarily reduce their responsibilities at home. They still need some chores to feel like life is normal, but giving them extra free time during the first few weeks of school can help them adjust.
Talk to Teachers About Your Concerns
Teachers have a way of understanding the impact of school transfer, and they help new students settle in. You should talk to your child’s teacher, ask how your child is doing in class, and share your concerns with them. The teacher may also even have resources and sources that are particularly designed to help make the transition smoother.
Connect With Other Parents
By joining the parent-teacher association, you can talk to other parents whose children are also new. It is essential that you and your child know that you are not alone. Knowing others are in the same situation can make both you and your child feel less alone.
Wait Before Meeting Old Friends
It is great for your child to maintain contact with friends and classmates from their old school. They can connect via letters, phone calls, and emails but do not rush into arranging playdates right away. Giving them time to adjust to their new school first can help them feel more comfortable and make new friends without turning back to the past.
Keep Their Daily Routine the Same
If your child had a special morning routine while attending their previous school, try to keep it the same. Familiar habits and structure, such as eating breakfast together or walking to the bus stop, can help them adjust to their new school.
Read Books About Change
Reading books together with your child about moving to a new school and making new friends. Talking and reading together about adjusting to change can help your child feel more confident. One such book is “Growing Friendships: A Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends” authored by Eileen Kennedy-Moore, for kids aged 6-12. It is easy to understand and helps them in a smooth transition.
Visit the New School Early
Your child may be worried about getting lost in the unfamiliar environment of their new school. If possible, take your child on a tour of the school before their day. Also, make sure they know their school. Show them where their classroom, cafeteria, and pick-up area are. Knowing their way around can make them feel more at ease.
Be Patient and Supportive
It may take some time for your child to adjust after a school transfer. Be patient and encourage your child, remind them they will make friends, and reassure them that things will get easier. Before long, they will feel at home in their new school!
Conclusion
Adjusting to a new school can be a difficult task for children. However, with the right support and encouragement, your child will soon be comfortable in their new school. You should stay patient, stay involved, and reassure them every step of the way that it is okay to take their time. You can also get help from their teachers to ensure a smoother transition. If you are searching for CBSE schools in Najafgarh or need more guidance on helping your child adjust to a new school, feel free to contact us today!
