How can a child be helped when joining a new school? What can a parent or teacher do to enable a child’s smooth transition? Your child is going to school soon and you want them to integrate smoothly? In this article, we will share some helpful tips on how parents and teachers can help a new student become accustomed to, and enjoy going to school, as quickly as possible.
What difficulties may a student face as they start school?
Whether they start their studies at a new school as a first grader, or in higher grades, the child will find themselves in an unfamiliar environment. Possibly they will encounter different rules to those they are used to, and the teachers and classmates will be new to them too.
They might face some healthy competition between students in their new group and the intellectual challenges of acquiring new knowledge may feel difficult.
While some children can quickly feel settled in this new community, others may experience some difficulties integrating. This becomes easier as a child feels more self-confident, understands a set of values, is able to communicate with peers, and takes pleasure in learning about their new environment. As a parent, you can support your child to develop these characteristics, thereby easing the integration process.
How else can integration be supported by parents?
It is especially important to talk with your child as they are getting to know about their school environment. Regularly ask them about their experiences, so that you can notice even minor problems in good time by communicating carefully and patiently.
Enabling them to develop their sense of independence can help a lot too. It’s worth letting your child do as many things as possible on their own. If they are already able to get dressed, tie their shoelaces, or wash their hands alone, it will help with their integration.
Family board games help children learn about collaboration, and reading bedtime stories in the evenings can help them recharge at the end of a day.
What can the school and teachers do to help integration?
Of course a positive teacher’s attitude and approach will facilitate integration. It is important that the teachers are able to create a supportive, accepting group of students. For example, it is a good idea to have morning circle time, where the children get to know each other better.
Mixing teaching with games can also make integration easier. Within the framework of learning through play, the child can become much more involved and open, even forgetting that they are in a different environment.
During the initial period, it may be helpful for children to bring in a personal object, such as a plush animal or a small toy. These personal belongings can enhance their sense of security.
At the Brit-Magyar School, we help the integration of children in various ways:
The Brit-Magyar School is student-centered, caring, ambitious and adaptable which, based on these main values, helps the first or upper grade children integrate as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have a welcoming, friendly environment, where everyone tries to help and support each other. As children encounter this approach from our teachers’ side, they will mirror this positive attitude towards each other.
The warm ambiance of our classrooms, the child-friendly atmosphere and the modern facilities that our school provides, all help strengthen a child’s sense of security.
