The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting time for students yet some children can find it a time of stress. Here are a few tips that may help to alleviate any anxiety your child may be feeling around the first weeks of school.
1. Be a role model by showing enthusiasm: young children pick up on their parents’ feelings and fears. Modelling confidence is the first and the best way to help your child feel at ease with school. It is really that simple. Be relaxed around your child. Show enthusiasm! They will pick up on that!
2. Have a conversation with your child prior to school discussing what opportunities being in a new class will present them. A new teacher, a chance to make new friends and a whole new year of adventures are just some of the things to expect!
3. Tell your child that you will be looking forward to seeing them after school and hearing about all of the best parts of their day.
4. Demonstrate a positive attitude about multi-age classes. In a multi-age or combined classroom we build a community of learners whose abilities are stretched out across the continuum, just as in any single grade class. Each teacher, whether in a single grade or combined grade class, will assess their students and provide developmentally appropriate curricula relative to their student's needs. The teachers of a multi-aged class will provide differentiated instruction, social collaboration, flexible grouping, and instruct to student's interests just as the teacher of a single grade would. The staff members in our school work closely together. Throughout the year there will be team teaching and students will work with different teachers and different groups of peers.
Most importantly, you are your child’s first and most important teacher! All lessons learned at school really start at home.
From the Cordova Bay Staff