First Weeks of School

Back to school time often means changes for children and families. Making smooth transitions between home and school can help children feel good about themselves and help them to trust other adults and children.

Transitions are exciting opportunities for children to learn and grow. Parents, teachers, and educational professionals share a role in making children feel safe and secure as they get back into school routines. Of course, the beginning of a new school year can also create anxiety. Strengthening the ties between school and families will help create smooth transitions for both adults and children.

Here are a few suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful school experience.

Declutter your own schedule. As much as possible, clear your schedule of meetings, business items, and extra projects. Freeing your schedule up as much as possible will provide the added time you need to establish start up routines such as morning time, breakfast patterns, and arriving to school on time.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Sleep is no less important than food, drink, or safety in the lives of children. Although this may seem apparent, many of us actually do not allow our children to get the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly. Ensuring your child gets good, sound sleep will build a sound foundation for proper mind and body development. Health Link BC provides great tips for helping your child and yourself sleep well. (Did you know that elementary age children need between 10 -12 hours of sleep each night!)

Connect with your child’s class teacher in the first few weeks. Attend Ridgeview’s Meet MY Teacher/Ice Cream Social event scheduled for this Wednesday, Wednesday, September 14th. During this event, your child will introduce you to their teacher and will guide you through the routines and expectations of the classroom as well as share a little about curriculum for the year.

Attend the Parent Information session scheduled for September 21st. During this information session, you will learn about school, district, and provincial directions and processes including school goals, reporting, and technology expectations.

Get to know the other school professionals. Everyone including myself, vice principal, the front office personnel, school counselor, learning support teachers, school nurse, playground supervisors, athletic coaches, and others have specific roles that will support your child’s learning. By attending monthly Parent Advisory Meetings and taking an active role in school activities, you will learn the roles of school personnel and how best to access their help if you need them.

To overcome anxiety in the early days of school let your children know you care and also let them know that you believe in their ability to cope. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Your calm and positivity will generate the same in your child.

These recommendations can contribute to a positive and productive school experience for children. Most children are wonderfully resilient and, with your support and encouragement will thrive throughout their school experience.

All the very best for a happy, successful start to the school year!