Now the summer holidays have come to a close and the new school year is beginning, parents and nannies across the country are gearing up to support children through their first term back. But preparing for the new school year involves more than just the annual stationery haul from W H Smiths; it requires careful planning and understanding to ensure children feel both confident, prepared and settled.
Fortunately, there are simple but effective strategies that can help with the transition back to school, so we are sharing our tips for setting routines and study habits, and advice to help parents and nannies best support children during the first few weeks of school.
Easing the Transition Back To School
Gradual Reintroduction of Routines: Help children ease into the new school routine by gradually reintroducing structured activities and schedules so they can adjust to bedtimes and morning routines that align with school timings.
Talk About It: Engage children in open conversations about the upcoming school year. Discuss what they are enjoying or feel excited about, any concerns they may have, and reassure them that it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Reconnect with Friends: Arrange playdates with classmates or attend school events where children can reconnect with old friends or make new ones. Familiar faces can help ease anxieties about the new school year.
Setting New Routines and Study Habits:
Establish a Consistent Schedule: Create a daily routine that includes set times for waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime. Consistency helps children feel secure and builds a sense of structure.
Designate a Study Area: If possible, set up a quiet and well-lit study area at home where children can do their homework and concentrate. This space should be free from distractions and equipped with necessary supplies.
Encourage Time Management: Support children with managing their time effectively by using planners or calendars to track assignments, extracurricular activities and important events.
Support with Homework: Offer assistance when needed, but encourage children to take responsibility for their homework. Avoid completing tasks for them; instead, guide them through problem-solving and critical thinking.
Managing Back-to-School Jitters
Some children will face back to school jitters after having had so much time to enjoy their summer uninterrupted. This can be exacerbated if starting a new school, joining a new form group or transitioning from primary to secondary or nursery to primary. So how can we as parents and nannies help manage that?
Acknowledge Emotions: It's normal for children to experience back-to-school jitters. Encourage them to express their feelings and have open dialogues so you can help manage those emotions and reassure them that it's okay to feel a little nervous.
Test-Run the Journey: If your child is due to get public transport to their school this term, try to do a couple of test runs of the route with them to help them get comfortable and ease any anxiety. Perhaps do some school runs together where you join them for the full journey and some where a parent or nanny follows behind in a car for peace of mind so children can get confident with the route before going it alone.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and encourage children for their achievements and efforts, both academically and personally. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to boost their confidence.
Be a Listening Ear: Actively listen to children's concerns and address any specific worries they may have about school. Your understanding and support can help them feel more confident and secure but also allows you to identify and tackle any potential problems early on.
Preparing children for the new school year in the UK is a collaborative effort between parents, nannies and educators but every child's experience is unique, so be patient and flexible in your approach.
By employing effective strategies, we can empower children to embrace the new academic year with confidence and enthusiasm. With open communication, understanding and support, we can help children lay the foundations for a successful and fulfilling academic year.