How to Help a Child Transition to a New School in the Middle of a School Year
- 1). Sit down with your child and ask her to share her specific concerns about the change. While some of her fears may seem silly to you, it is important to treat her worries seriously and do your best to address each one -- either by providing an immediate answer or by asking the school counselor for the necessary information.
- 2). Encourage your child to seek out a pen pal at the new school before the big move. Online pen pal services can hook up potential pen pals by school and grade level. On the first day of class, he'll already know someone.
- 3). Talk with your child's teacher and school counselor. Ask for help with the transition and find out if there are any programs in place at the school to help transfer students settle in and make friends. Try and address as many of your child's specific concerns as possible so that you can relay the answers to him.
- 4). Visit the school with your child before the first day. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, asking the school counselor or guide to show your child his classroom and other important areas of the school can help ease his anxiety.
- 5). Walk into school with your child on the first day. Even a normally self-reliant child may get nervous and forget where her classroom is or need a reminder on how to find the bathrooms. However, if the child is older -- in middle school or high school, for example -- don't force the issue if your child clearly prefers to go it alone.
- 6). Find a club or school activity for your child to join. Even if the activity is not a perfect fit in terms of interests or personality, it is a good way for your child to make connections.
- 7). Reinforce connections with potential playmates. When starting in the middle of the school year, your child may have some serious social catching-up to do, so you'll need to go out of your way to encourage playdates and contact outside the classroom.
- 8). Send your child's teacher a note asking for updates on your child's progress. The teacher may have insights into your child's behavior or social interactions that prove helpful.
