Reading together is a great way to start the conversation. Scholastic has resources for discussing bullying with your child.) (Some children might have worries about being bullied, for example. Ask them what they are looking forward to and what they are interested in learning, along with any concerns they might have. When discussing back-to-school, you might gauge your child’s thoughts about the classroom. This framework of self-awareness can begin at home. SEL refers to the ways in which children build healthy relationships with themselves and with others. Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is a popular topic among educators today - and is being integrated into the curriculum in many school districts. Talk to your child about their feelings about school, friends, teachers, and new activities. You’re sure to find a read-aloud that allows you moments to pause and ask your child what they’re feeling or thinking about in terms of the year ahead.ģ. You can also check out these comforting books about the first day of school.

Stories with characters your child can relate to - especially those with characters attending their first day of kindergarten - are useful for relieving first-day jitters and providing a boost of confidence where needed. If your child’s teachers do not invite families to visit ahead of time, you can still take a trip to the school to see the building and the playground. “Also, many parents have never been inside of the school building because access is denied - they've only seen the classroom virtually.” “Many of my students' last normal year was kindergarten,” she says. Recently, O’Connor taught 3rd graders who had been out of the classroom for three years. This is especially important if your child is returning to in-person learning after periods of remote learning. Visit the school or classroom before the first day. The below tips from O’Connor can help your family make a smooth transition into the school year ahead and give your child new perspective on the joys of the classroom.ġ. “Back-to-school will always be accompanied by a certain amount of nervous excitement or anxiety, but as a parent you can minimize fear of the unknown by being positive about school,” O’Connor says. Since parents know their child best, this communication sets everyone up for a successful year ahead. O’Connor encourages parents to reach out to their child’s teacher before the first day of school with questions or concerns. 'Teachers know this and strive to foster a strong relationship with each student from the moment they enter the classroom community.”

“Children enter the school year with different skills, goals, and social-emotional aptitudes,' says Heather O'Connor, a 3rd grade teacher in Connecticut. Some children will accept the change with joy, while others may need a bit more hand-holding to acclimate. Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or starting a new grade as a returning student, there’s lots to be done to prepare for the year ahead, including checking in about their fears, anxieties, and concerns.Īs summer winds down, it’s natural for kids to experience nervousness - after all, your child is entering a structured group setting after months away.

Quick tips for parents in preschool newsletter