We are now officially into September, where did summer go?! Some of you may be sad to see the sunshine months over or some may be really looking forward to the ‘ber’ months and cosy season!
Perhaps this summer and new school year is feeling particularly daunting for you and/or your child, because it is a first. Maybe they are starting (or have just started already!) in Reception, or Year 7, or even college/sixth form, for the first time in September. These are big milestones, for both you and your child! – and can feel even more overwhelming than a typical new term. Here are some top tips that might be helpful, if you are preparing for and the beginning of the new term in:
Nursery/Reception
- Visit and re-visit the nursery/school. Hopefully you will have visited the nursery/school previously for open days or a transition day, in the summer term. When you’re preparing for the new school year, have pictures of and/or walk past the building, so the route and building feels more familiar.
- Prepare them for nursery/school in a way they can engage with. Use a visual countdown, key information book, or talk through what to expect at nursery/school. Repetition is your friend. Practice key information like the teachers name, and present information positively e.g., “School is a place where you make new friends and learn new things!”
- Prepare for the separation. Lots of children find the initial separations difficult; and may become upset/tearful, especially in those first few days. Prepare yourself first and foremost. It will be hard to leave, but a necessary separation, that will get easier. Take guidance and reassurance from the nursery/school adults.
- Practice key skills and routines e.g., taking their coat/on off, using the toilet/washing hands, feeding (opening a lunch box or using cutlery) and tidying up. You can make it fun by using songs or making it into a race or game. Bonus points if you can use the same songs/routines as in nursery/reception – consistency is usually a winner!
Secondary School (Y7)
- Practice the new routines. Practice the journey to school, especially if your child is an independent traveller. If public transport is involved, practice checking timetables, using a travel card, and a plan for what to do if something goes wrong (like they miss the bus).
- Prepare them for the new school model. Hopefully, this will have already happened during their time in Year 6 and their transition days/visits in summer term; most secondary school models consist of teachers specialising in one subject/room, and students moving between different teachers and rooms throughout their day. This can require new skills e.g., reading timetables, organising multiple sets of books and specific equipment, that may not have been required (or something adults provided) in primary school.
- Prepare them for feelings. Ask them how they feel – excited? Worried? A bit of both? Reassure and validate their feelings, and that it will take time to settle in. Sharing other first day stories (your own, siblings or other family members) can be helpful. If they’re anxious, creating a plan (what to do, where or who to go to), may help.
- Practice key skills and routines e.g., packing their own school bag, managing their own bedtime routine, setting an alarm and morning routine, completing homework tasks, using their mobile (responsibly), etc.
College or Sixth form (Y12)
- Prepare them for the new model of education. College or sixth forms are often different from school in big ways, most of which are both great in some ways and can be tricky in others. A more streamlined curriculum means fewer lessons, but more independent study and self-directed learning is expected. Classes may be smaller, but can be a mix of different students (from different schools, or different ages – sometimes students “re-sit” Y12). There is no school uniform in most cases, but dress codes will still apply. There is also often a big academic jump; as subject knowledge becomes deeper, and assessments more intense.
- Start thinking and talking about the future, and the not so distant adulthood. Why did they choose their subjects? What are their long term goals and aims? Help them identify what motivates them, how to manage stress and pressure, and encourage balance.
- Practice key skills and routines e.g., planning their own study and leisure time, communicating with staff independently, organising things on their own like their transport, meals or even part time work. Do they know how to manage a budget, bank account, their work load? It is important that independence is encouraged where possible, while maintaining a safety net. You could remind them: “I’m here if you need me – I’m not going to micromanage, but I’m not checking out either”.
If you like the suggestions, but feel like you would benefit from more detail, support or bespoke suggestions for your child and family, we offer family consultations (one off) or coaching (multiple sessions over time) that you may be interested in. Please make an enquiry on our website, and a member of the ELLES Psychology team will be in touch.
**The views expressed in our social media posts are entirely our own, based on our professional and personal experience. All posts are informational, not professional advice.
