There are many ways of helping your child to transition from primary to secondary school easily. So, how can you make the transition process much easier for both of you? Read on to find out.
Transitioning from primary to secondary school can be a challenging time for both children and their parents. It comes with many mixed reactions: the happiness and the worries of joining a new school, finding new friends, and getting used to a new environment.
While it's a time that we cannot dodge, we need to take all the things it will come with. There are many ways of helping your child to transition from primary to secondary school easily. So, how can you make the transition process much easier for both of you? Read on to find out.
How To Make The Transition Process Easier For Your Child
To help your child transition easier from primary to secondary school, several things need to be put in place to make the whole process successful.
1. Access to Mobile Phones
Mobile phones were not available in the good old days. Our great grandparent didn't need them to succeed in their education. But why should you get your child one? There are a lot of benefits associated with a mobile phone.
The most important of all is that it can help the student research topics that need more information not found in books. All you need to do is check the school rules regarding phone usage because some schools don't tolerate mobile phones.
Another thing is to set ground rules between you and your child. Take charge in all the decisions like recharging of airtime and don’t allow them to control you. Lastly, encourage them with a sweet message to make them feel that you care about their well-being in the school.
You can go ahead and ask them if they are having any difficulties in the new surroundings. Do it once in a while because they need to focus on their studies.
2. Visit the school in advance
Visiting the school in advance will help your child familiarize with the new environment. This can help him or her feel at home on the first day and keep up with the daily routines. You can walk around and see the view of the school premises together.
Find out the classroom activities from the teacher. Additionally, you can visit the school together for orientation and get to socialize with other parents and new students. Finally, talk to your child about the whole experience so that you will get to know how they feel.
3. Set Boundaries
As a parent, you need to remember that your child moves to another level in their life. Don't expect to see them behave like the babies they used to be. Secondary school comes with a lot of work and numerous experiences accompanied by independence.
While at school, they might meet a new friend and arrange for parties. At this stage, they feel like they are always right. Instead of waiting for the mess to happen, why not sit down with them and set ground rules? Give them a chance to express their opinion on the same matter to find a better solution.
4. Advise them to Make new Friends
The idea of making new friends can be a pain in the head. Try and find out who in your local area will be attending the same school as your child. Orientations are also an excellent place to help them make new friends.
In case your child attends the same secondary school as their old primary school friend, that's an advantage. They will be able to cope easily with the new school routine.
5. Home Work and Time Management
While in secondary school, your child will have to learn how to manage their own time and many assignments. If your child struggles to cope with time, make a timetable to help them manage time in different subjects and activities.
6. Communication and Information
Communication is essential in any circumstance. Lack of Communication means no information. Let the teacher know the strengths and weaknesses of your child. Ask the teacher about your child's progress so that you can keep track of things and follow up before they go wrong.
Apart from that, keep lines of communication with your child so that you can know what they are doing. Find out about the upcoming programs of the activities in school like the opening and closing dates.
How Can You Identify A Positive Transition?
There are many ways to help you identify a positive and successful transition. If your child displays the following characteristics after moving into secondary school, you are on the winning side.
- When they show interest and excitement about going to school.
- When they adapt quickly to new school routines.
- When they get new friends
- When they increase confidence and interest.
Transitioning from primary to secondary school marks the beginning of a new stage in your child's academic life. While it includes familiarizing with a new environment, the response can be different in some children.
As a parent, you can employ several methods to assist your child in transitioning more efficiently. In case your child is graduating from primary to secondary school, Use the tips outlined above to help him or her transition without difficulties.
If your child fails to transition positively over a long period due to stress and anxiety, seek help from professionals.
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