It’s that time of the year when schools are getting ready to re-open and begin the new academic session. While all will make a fuss about going back to the school routine, it is this same school routine that gives them the much needed focus and stability we all long for. So how do we go about preparing for this return?
For the child who is going to school for the first time, parents, you have a very special role to play. Most children have gone to a play school or nursery and are happy to go to a big school. While there is excitement, there is also nervousness. The playschool next door is small, and with fewer kids. Going in a school bus to school that is huge and with many children can unnerve a child. So, prepare your child for that. If possible take him/her a few times to the school maybe after school hours or if permitted during daytime. Let them have a tour of the school, canteen, washroom or playroom etc so that they are familiar with the surroundings. Fill the child with the fun component of being in a big school. Schools these days do allow for these sorts of visits, and usually permit parents to travel in the bus for the first couple of days.
The child who is going to the Secondary section or to a new class, too goes through moments of apprehension. True, they look forward to the new academic year, but there is a fear — “Will the child who bullied me last year be in my class?”, “Who will be my class teacher?” and so on. Parents need to understand these anxieties and help the child cope with them. Never use school as a threat or punishment — “I will send you away to a boarding school” or “Wait till I tell your teacher”. Instead, talk to the child and tell him/her about how exciting the Secondary section will be. New building (maybe), new friends, new uniform, books and a new chance to do well. This will fill the child with joy and school will be a happy place to go to.
If it is not a new term but just reopening after a short break, students must check their homework list. Ensure that you have completed your homework and projects. Check if your uniforms still fit (children are prone to shoot up suddenly in the holidays), you have the socks, sports uniform and shoes as per specification.
If you have moved to a new town and the school is altogether different and your child obviously knows no one. Yes, some nervousness is bound to be there — for you and your child. But relax. You have used the summer break to settle down in your new home, I am sure there is at least one child going to the same school. Even if you are anxious don’t let your child see it. Describe all the wonderful things he/she can do in the new school.
Accompany the child to school on the reopening day. Try using the school bus, there will be several children and their parents waiting at the stop. Can you get a better opportunity for both you and your child to make new friends? I am sure that soon enough all your fears will be put to rest.
Now, that all of us are ready, why are we waiting? Is that the school bus I hear? Happy Return to school…
