School Watch

Preparing for the Next Grade

July 25, 2022

Going Back to School Back to School on chalkboard — Photo courtesy of Deleece Cook (zzjLGF_6dx4-unsplash).

Going back to school in the fall comes with a mix of emotions for everyone, especially students. Some find it an exciting transition to move up a grade level. It’s a fresh start. Students get excited about meeting a new teacher, learning about new topics, and getting new school supplies, and for some students, the idea of being older students in the school is the best part of starting a new year.

However, there are also several reasons students and families get anxious about this new chapter. Students spent several months with a steady routine, a teacher that was with them every step of the way, and friends that they saw daily. Meeting a new teacher can be nerve-wracking for families. The idea of a new curriculum and content that is more challenging can also be stressful. If there was a recent move for a family, if friends moved away, or if there is a change in schools this can be unsettling for students.

There are several ways to ease some of this nervousness as the new school year approaches.

Talk Through Going Back to School

With all the emotions of going back to school, children need someone with them to help process it. Talk through the positives and the excitement, and remind them about the things they accomplished last year and that they have the capability to accomplish even more this year. While focusing on the positives is a great strategy, it’s also important to talk about the negative feelings that are creeping into their thoughts as the days pass by.

If you notice they are acting out more than usual, getting upset faster, or losing sleep, it might be time to talk to them about the big feelings they are having and that it’s OK to feel scared. Give them the space and time to talk through what they’re feeling.

NPR reported on back-to-school anxiety and said, “If they need help coming up with ideas, parents can help them role-play tough situations or come up with strategies they can use in situations that make them worried.”

Going Back to School Mom talking to Son — Photo courtesy of Jordan Whitt (KQCXf_zvdaU-unsplash).

Back to School Night

Most schools have a Back to School or Meet Your Teacher night. Some are just for parents to get information about the curriculum and daily schedules, and some are for kids to join parents in meeting the teacher and seeing their new classroom.

Some districts have staggered start days for students starting at a new school as they progress in their education. District 49 has a start day for just kindergarteners, 6th graders, and 9th graders. Academy District 20 has a start day for all elementary, 6th graders, and 9th graders. Cheyenne Mountain District 12 and Fountain-Fort Carson District 8 have the first week of orientation for different grade levels almost every day.

Going Back to School Back to School — Photo courtesy of Note Thanun (CYlPykF-qAM-unsplash).

Talk to the Teacher

Whether there is a set time or not, communicate with the school and the teacher as the school year starts. If there is a time to go to the school, take the time to get to know the layout of the building, the structure of the class, and the routines of the school. All of these can help ease some of the back-to-school anxiety students may feel.

If there isn’t a set time, email the teacher with questions you have. It’s better to ask and help your child – even if it feels silly – than to not ask and risk their uneasiness growing with each day. Even as the days pass in the school year, always reach out to the teacher with questions and concerns you or your child might have.

If your child is nervous about the classroom routines, see if the teacher can send you a copy so you can practice the times at home. If they’re unsure about the new curriculum, ask the teacher for book recommendations or at-home math tasks that you can implement to help get your child thinking about those topics.

Most of all, practice with your child. Practice reading every day, practice routines and transitions, practice social skills and practice sharing feelings. You are their support system as their parent. New school years are exciting and nerve-wracking, but parents and teachers can work together with the students to help make the transition as smooth as possible.