Education
Monday, 03 August 2009 07:08
Written by Matt Kuykendall
Smoothing out that summer-to-school transition
Packing away the passports, swimsuits and suntan lotion and pulling out the alarm clocks, backpacks and textbooks is the annual August ritual for thousands of families around the world. The transition from summer freedom to school year structure can be a stressful experience for children and parents alike. There are new teachers, new friends, new cities and new academic expectations to cope with. The most important thing parents can do to make the transition from summer to school, and from one grade to the next, smooth is to communicate. Firstly with your child, and secondly with those who have an impact on your child’s life: teachers, coaches and counselors.
In the days and weeks approaching the first day of school, ask your children what they’re most excited about regarding the upcoming school year.
Perhaps they’re most excited about seeing their friends again; encourage them to create new friends this year. Though perhaps not as forthcoming a conversation, also ask your child about their worries and apprehensions regarding the approaching year so that you can anticipate possible problems that may arise. If your child is worried about being able to handle the increased academic rigor of high school, consider seeking extra help in the form of structured peer tutoring or teacher-directed help once a week.
By opening up a dialogue with your child on the upcoming school year, regarding both positive aspects and concerns, you will have more focused and direct questions for your child as the year progresses, as opposed to the usual, “So, how was school?” which is almost always answered tersely with one word: “Fine.”
It is equally important to contact your child’s teachers. As your child progresses through school, the amount of voluntary communication that comes from their teachers will decrease with each passing year. Good middle and high school teachers do an excellent job of communicating frequently, especially in the event of imperative academic or behavioral issues. However, for more nuanced concerns such as making new friends, or earning an A as opposed to a B in a certain subject, every teacher would warmly appreciate a parent opening up communication in that regard.
Moving up grade levels can be a scary experience for both parents and children. The key to making the transition go as smoothly as possible is to communicate your aspirations and concerns to your child’s teachers and, more importantly, to discuss hopes, fears, expectations and goals for the upcoming school year with your child. If you and your child are on the same page going into the school year, it is more likely to keep the line of communication between the two of you open, leading to a more fruitful and successful school year.
Matt Kuykendall teaches AP Comparative Government, Sociology and Asian Studies at Shanghai American School’s Puxi Campus
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