5 tips for transitioning back to school
In a year of change, our next big change is now happening – the return to learning onsite at school! Jana Firestone offers some tips for students making the transition.
With some of our students already back on campus as part of Wesley’s phased return, we know that other students will be buzzing with anticipation at home. In the first few weeks of on-campus programs, students are likely to experience a mix of feelings. There may be excitement at the prospect of seeing friends and teachers, while others may need more support in transitioning back to the routine of classroom learning.
5 tips for supporting your child’s successful transition
How can you support your child’s successful transition back to school? Try some of the following strategies.
1. Talk about returning to school
How is your child feeling academically, socially and emotionally? How might you prepare your child for the new expectations, such as being dropped off from the car? What are their thoughts on physically being part of a community again?
2. Accentuate the positive
It can be very easy to get caught up in fears and concerns, especially during this time of uncertainty; however, dwelling on the negatives can send the message that there shouldbe something wrong. Instead, encourage your child to talk about what they are looking forward to, or help remind them about the things they love about attending school.
By helping your child identify the positives, they will develop tools to build resilience into their everyday lives, and better adjust to this new routine.
3. Downtime
It has been quite the learning curve for all of us, working and learning from home, and as we enter this new phase, we will need to adjust once again. As well as keeping on top of their academic requirements, it’s also important to ensure that your child has enough time to just be a child. Having downtime at home to play and rest is a significant factor in the balance which successful children experience.
4. Be a role model
When things go wrong, as they inevitably do, try to model the behaviour you would like to see from your child. Showing them that it is possible to remain calm with uncertainties looming and bounce back from any disappointment or inconvenience will help to build their confidence and resilience.
5. Have fun!
We all need to find the humour in these strange times, and the same applies with our kids. Try to factor in some fun time with your child so that they continue to have quality time with you, outside of the homework and household demands. Work together to find ways to let off steam, debrief and recharge.
Jana Firestone is a Student Counsellor at the Elsternwick Campus
Wesley College’s students returned to school in a phased model with Prep to Year 2 and Years 10 to 12 returning on Tuesday 26 May and Years 3 to 9 returning on Tuesday 9 June.
