Getting ready for the new school year brings a mix of excitement and a bit of worry. Transitioning to a new school or class means adapting to various new experiences. Engaging in a conversation with children about the transition can help them feel heard, reduce their worries, and assure them that it's okay to have concerns.
Here are a few recommendations to ease their settling-in process and ensure a smoother first week:
- Go over the school's materials with your child, show them a photo of their new teacher, and read through the teacher's profile together.
- Help your child remember their class. This will help them find their way or ask for directions on the first day of school.
- Tell the story of your first day at school, including the names of your classmates, teachers, and friends.
- Go through all school items together, including your child’s uniform, shoes, bags, devices (Year 4 and up), hat, water bottle, lunch, and snack boxes. Being prepared will help reduce worries.
- Children are more likely to enjoy their snacks and lunches when they know what to expect. Planning their first day's snack and lunch together can enhance this experience.
- If your child has any doubts or worries, they can always ask their teacher. The teachers are there to help and will provide them with all the information they need on their first day.
- Encourage your child to ask questions. If they need help, they can seek out adults with dark blue lanyards—they're there to assist.
- Give them tips on how to make new friends. Making new friends can be daunting for many children. Nord Anglia Education's article on ‘How to Make Friends’ provides simple tips from pastoral experts to help children settle in and form relationships.
- Tell them the importance of being true to yourself. Your unique perspective and talents make the Dover Court community vibrant and diverse.
- Remember, children absorb our emotions and actions. If we're stressed, they'll pick up on it. Let's set a positive example to support our children on their first day!
The journey through a school year is like an adventure filled with learning, growth, and the joy of discovery. The mix of excitement and anxiety is familiar to students of all grades. We asked our Primary students for their simple tips to help all Doverians get off to a great start.
Ozan, starting Year 4, suggests finding someone in the class who shares your interests. He says, "I enjoy football, and so do my friends!"
Stella, who is going into Year 5, recommends joining CCAs. "It's so much fun! You get to try and learn new things, and you can also make new friends!”
Jaiden, who is also starting Year 5, says, "Don’t worry, no matter which teacher you get, by the end of the school year, you'll say your teacher was the best."
With these tips, we're not just preparing for a new school year; we're setting the stage for a journey of growth, discovery, and joy. Welcome to a new school year at Dover Court, where every student's journey is celebrated, and the adventure of learning never ends. Here's to a fantastic start and an even more remarkable journey ahead!
