As an ECT, families often ask me for simple tips they can implement to help their child feel more comfortable and confident when they start school.
Here are some simple tips I always give to families (you can download a pdf to give to families at the end of the article):
Visit the school
During the school year, especially in Term 4, look for opportunities to visit your child’s future school.
Many schools host open nights, fetes, performances, and Christmas carols, offering simple ways for families to explore the school together, familiarising themselves with the people, facilities, and grounds. I even encourage families to visit during the holidays; many schools allow access to their playgrounds. Making this your 'local' playground over the summer break can help your child feel more confident in their new environment.
Use language that fosters a sense of belonging with the school, and focuses on what the child knows
Many adults (myself included) often talk about school as if it’s some big, impending unknown. A simple shift in language that focuses on a child's sense of belonging can work wonders in reducing their anxiety. For example, instead of saying, “This is the school you’ll go to,” try “This is your school!”
Another common mistake is to focus too much on the ‘newness’ of the transition. For many children, it’s the biggest change they've faced. Emphasising the similarities between their early learning environment and school can help ease the adjustment. You might say things like, “At school, you’ll have a lunchbox, just like at preschool!” or “Your school has a playground too, just like your preschool.”
By focusing on what’s familiar, we can empower children and shift away from the idea that everything will be different.
Arrange social catch ups with children going to the same school
Educators will often know which children are going to which schools. If I know a child is anxious or tends to take longer to form friendships, I inform the parents about which classmates will be attending the same school. I encourage families to arrange catch-ups over the summer break and to mention the names of these peers when talking about school. This familiarity can help ease anxiety and build a sense of connection before the transition.
Promote ownership over their new school-related belongings
Starting school with new items like a bag, uniform, or lunchbox can be overwhelming. To help, encourage families to involve their child in choosing supplies, like picking out a pencil case, so they feel more familiar and excited about their belongings before the first day. This approach can also build excitement—some children may want to wear their new school hat to the beach or try on their uniform ahead of time!
Use incidental conversations to address anxiety
Over-emphasising feelings of anxiety can sometimes increase them. Instead of repeatedly discussing how scary the first day of school might be, families can address the topic through incidental situations.
For example: “I’ve never been to these shops before, and I felt a bit nervous about parking, but I stayed calm and figured it out.”
You can also remind your child of a time they felt nervous but managed successfully, such as: “Remember how you felt on your first day at preschool? And now look how comfortable you are!”
Tip sheet for families
Download this helpful tip sheet to print for families, or send them a link.
DOWNLOAD
Further reading about this topic:
Amplify! A sustained approach to school transition by Rebecca Raymond
Amplify! How to respond when parents fear transition to school by CELA with insights from Emeritus Professor Sue Dockett
About Meg
Meg is an Early Childhood Teacher in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Wurundjeri land. She has worked across a range of settings throughout her decade of work in the early learning sector, and is now pursuing postgraduate study in adult education. Meg is very passionate about advocating for the early childhood profession in a way that both challenges and empowers educators.