We have all experienced some of the worries and feelings of uncertainty that come with change but for some of our children, transition and change can stir up big emotions. These can take the form of resistance, avoidance, distraction, negotiation or a full-blown meltdown. So what can we do to help our children prepare for the end of the school year and the future transition between classes and/or schools.
| 1. Talk to children about the change early and give them time to process so they can begin to accept it. | 2. Listen to their concerns. Take time to answer their questions and work through their emotions. Try not to dismiss them or use platitudes eg. ‘don’t worry’ or ‘it will all be fine’. |
| 3. Share information about the change. Create a transition booklet with pictures of their new teacher and any friends that will be there. | 4. Keep routines and structures as consistent as possible. Children can find it even more difficult when end of term activities replace structured timetables. Give them as much notice as possible of any changes and give options for joining in or doing something different. |
| 5. Remind them of other positive changes that they have successfully coped with in the past. This will help give them confidence that they can positively manage this change too. | 6. Help make the future as familiar as possible: arrange for them to meet their new teacher and classroom if possible. Talk to them about some topics they will be studying so they can research in advance if they would like to. |
| 7. Keep a connection in whichever way is possible. Issues of abandonment can be huge for these children. Send them a postcard in the summer holidays or send it to their new school so they receive it in September. | 8. Give them choices to help them feel a sense of control. Even small choices can make a big difference such as when or where they will meet their new teacher. Would they like to write a letter to tell their teacher things about themselves? |
If you would like more help or strategies to help children cope with the summer term, please contact me at c.martinez@acumist.education.