A New Year - Term 1 of School
It is the start of another school year - following two disrupted years of learning.
For some children, the school drop off can be a difficult transition, especially in foundation and the early years of primary school. If the school drop off was challenging before this COVID-19 pandemic, then these challenges may resurface. Some children who have never had difficulty going to school may now find it a stressful separation.
Parents often ask me for suggestions about how to navigate this transition. I will share some ideas here and post some more in coming days.

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๐นStart now! Preparation is important.
๐นTalk positively about returning to school
๐นNormalise their feelings. Talk about feeling nervous or having butterflies in their tummies - itโs been so long since theyโve been to school.
๐นProvide reassurance. Tell them that many things about school are the same - theyโll be in the same class and their friends wonโt have forgotten them. Their teachers and their friends have missed seeing them.
๐นPrepare them for change and talk about differences. Explain that they will be asked to wash their hands often throughout the day and play in certain areas and at different times. Say that they will probably have to sit apart for social distancing. Talk about the new drop off procedure - that kids will come at different times, the teachers will be waiting at the gate and you will need to say good bye at the gate now. Explain that they will be required to wear a mask (grades 3 and up) and they are to remain on their face indoors - to please avoid pulling them down under their nose or off altogether during class. Instead, ask the teacher to get some fresh air and take the mask off then. If theyโre unfamiliar with mask wearing, show them how to wear it correctly over their mouth and nose. These changes are so that everyone stays healthy. By now, kids should be familiar with hand hygiene, social distancing and mask wearing because this has been a big focus over the last few months.
๐นMake sure that their school uniform fits now - avoid this additional stress on the first day.
๐นStart adjusting bedtime and wake up time - otherwise the early starts next week could be a real challenge.
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๐ธAlways remain positive and talk about feelings.
๐ธGive yourself extra time to get ready. Rushing and pressure can lead to conflict. It may help to prepare lunches the night before.
๐ธTry to keep things as low key and relaxed as possible. The way that the morning starts carries in to the school day.
๐ธDevelop a goodbye routine - a hug, high five, and/or an encouraging and positive message and a statement about who will be picking them up at the end of the day.
Keep an eye out for more information about successful school transition during these COVID-19 times.
