School + Schedule – Summer = Change: How to prepare your child for back-to-school time

From the PTA Parent Newsletter...

Change can either bring fear or hope to an individual. Make sure that you are helping your children prepare for back-to-school time changes by talking to them positively. Whether it is a new school, new teacher, new town, new schedule, or even a new librarian at your school, children need to be comforted and reminded that change is good.

Children in elementary school are generally more interested in knowing how these changes will affect their everyday life. Take a moment to talk to your child about their daily routine. If you have time, take them on a mini-day trip to their school and show them their new environment. Introduce your children to their teachers and staff at the school. Always maintain a positive, friendly attitude about the change.

Adolescents generally are more concerned with how the change will affect their peer status. What will everyone be wearing? Who will my friends be? Anger is a common reaction -- they feel they do not have control over their lives. Help them gain control by taking trips to a local mall or youth center to observe what other adolescents are doing. Encourage them to invite friends over or attend community and school events where they can meet more friends.
It may take a while for your children to adapt to changes, and each child’s reaction to change varies. Take time to listen to your child’s reactions and questions and help them make this change an exciting, positive adventure!

Welcome to a New School Year...A New School!

Welcome to a new school year at the totally new and beautiful Chestnut Elementary School. I hope to have lots of news and happenings to list. And if you have anything you'd like to see posted on the Chestnut Elementary Blog, just drop us a line!