A Few Strategies for Addressing "New School Year" Anxieties

Although the first day of school is nearly here (August 14), it seems there are still many little details that need to be completed before the buses arrive and the students enter —eager to see their friends and anxious to meet their new teachers. ~

As I walk the hallways, I am pleased to see new paint on walls, newly constructed furniture being moved into classrooms, and the smell of detergent as the custodians give the school the deep cleaning it needs before the start of the school year. It is a busy, but exciting time.

When the teachers arrive they will begin arranging their classrooms for their students, but more important than room arrangements will be the lessons and relationship-building activities they will begin planning so they are ready on “Day One” with a quality learning experience for each of their students.

School supplies and new outfits are some of the most noticeable ways you prepare your child for school each year, but what are the other ways in which you are preparing your child for this new experience?

Each new year of school brings change and new expectations for your child. Even though your child might not be vocalizing it, he/she may be anxious about these changes and new expectations. This is a wonderful time for you to share your personal examples of how you have adjusted to new situations—whether in your professional or personal life. It is important that your child knows he/she is not alone and that these are very normal feelings.

Here are some other ways you can help your child adjust to the new school year:

• Begin talking about time management with your child. Each child at Northeast Middle School is encouraged to purchase a school planner (available in the bookstore). Look through this with your child and consider showing your child how you keep track of your schedule. Post calendars in a public spot (e.g. the fridge) and for those of you who keep electronic calendars, you may want to create a shared calendar with your child so you can view one another’s schedules.

• Help your child find a balance between academics, after-school activities, and socializing. To help with this, it might be interesting to create a chart that records how much time each day/week/month is spent on these as well as time spent doing chores, relaxing, etc.

• Make plans with your child for how he/she will share information with you regarding school events, communicate with you if there is an emergency during the school day or after school, and identify a specific time and place where learning will occur at home.

This is going to be a great year!

I look forward to seeing your child on August 14th.

Kim Brandon