Successful Transitions into 2024
This year, all students will be meeting their 2024 teachers in Week 9 on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023. Students will complete get-to-know-you activities and become familiar with their new classroom, classmates, and teacher. For many children, this process is exciting. Reunions with friendly faces, a new classroom, and teachers, and an energising start to a new year. For children who struggle with anxiety, on the other hand, this transition isn’t quite as easy.
Transitioning to a new class and teacher can often induce a sense of anxiety and unease among some students. This anxiety stems from a variety of factors, such as the fear of the unknown, the pressure to adapt to a new environment, and concerns about forming relationships with both classmates and teachers.
Is your child repeatedly asking the same questions about the classroom, the teacher, the schedule, and who the other children in the class will be? This is a child seeking reassurance and is a mind thinking of what-ifs.
There are strategies that can be implemented to alleviate this anxiety and help children feel more comfortable in such situations. Communication is key. Discuss with your child/ren about the upcoming meeting with their new teacher and prepare them for what to expect, allowing them to express any concerns or fears they may have. Where you can, switch their anxiety worries to positive thoughts. See the table below.
Anxiety worries: It’s hard to switch teachers.
I don’t know the rules in the classroom.
I’m worried that I won’t be able to keep up. | Positive counter thoughts: My new teacher wants to help me learn, just like my old teacher. I can learn the new routine and rules on the first day.
If I don’t understand something, I can ask a question. |
This year, in addition to our students meeting their new teacher in Week 9, there is the opportunity for students who are struggling with what lies ahead, to participate in 3 workshops.
I will be presenting workshops in Weeks 6, 7 and 8. They will focus on the following concepts:
- Validation of Student Feelings
- Familiarisation of classroom spaces and teachers
- Foregrounding of Week 9, Meet the Teacher session – what will be happening?
- Creation of a Coping Toolbox
If you would like your child to attend these workshops, please register your child’s name at the front office by Friday 17th November.
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Georgina Sprigg
Deputy Principal