The start of a brand-new school year is an exciting time. Get the small things right and set up consistent routines and the rest will follow throughout the year in the most positive ways possible.
The start of a brand-new school year is an exciting time. It is an opportunity for children to look forward to the next chapter in their education, to feel optimistic about the things they will learn, the experiences they will have and the connections that will enrich this time in their lives. For many students, however, the start of a new school year can also feel daunting or uncertain.
While we cannot ever predict exactly how the next four terms will take shape, we can help our children feel as prepared as possible for the year ahead. We believe ‘it all starts with the socks’ — along with the other smaller details that all add up to make a bigger difference. By working alongside your child to tick off these items in preparation for the new school year, you can help them feel more prepared and more confident — before they even take their first step into school for the year.
Here are some tips, insights and advice for helping your children feel a sense of belonging and readiness at the start of the school year.
While we all have our own unique approach to a new year, most of us would agree that a little preparation goes a long way. It helps us to feel in control and confident. Many young people feel the same at the start of the school year.
“When children are prepared, they feel more confident and less anxious about the year.”Diane Furusho, Haileybury Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
Preparation is not just about making sure children have everything they need for their first day, their education, extracurricular activities and social times, like lunch breaks. It is a way to help answer any questions or uncertainties that are causing them to feel anxious — and shift those feelings towards more positive emotions like excitement. Talking positively about the new school year and setting goals together can help create a sense of readiness and excitement for the year ahead.
“As parents, ask your child what they are looking forward to and if there is anything they may be worried about,” says Diane. “Work through these worries together. It may be ensuring for them to know their new teacher’s name, or where to find their classroom. Prepare for this like you might a holiday, writing lists and ticking them off one by one as you work through them.”
The little things can make a big difference for how prepared children feel for each day at school — and the school year as a whole. This is true not only for the items they need for school, like their uniform, laptop, stationery, etc., but the actions and rituals involved with preparation too. “The little details can make a big difference because they add up over time and create a strong foundation,” says Diane. “Small actions, like being on time, going to bed at the same time, tidying your room and packing your bag the night before might appear like small tasks, but they help to build positive habits.”
It is this belief that inspires the idea behind ‘it starts with the socks.’ Get the small things right and set up consistent routines and the rest will follow in the most positive ways possible. You can start by having your child put out a fresh, matched pair of socks the night before the next school day and go from there. “Encourage your child to lay out their uniform each day, always ensure they wear the correct uniform, and have the right materials they need for school. Each night, walk through with your child what they need to do for the following day.”
“Get the small things right and set up consistent routines and the rest will follow in the most positive ways possible.”
It can be tempting to want to handle all the preparations for the new school year yourself, whether that means doing it at a time that suits your schedule or simply knowing your child is all set. Try to resist that urge, and get your child involved in the preparations as well. This can help to empower your child, so they feel more capable, comfortable and ready to face the days, weeks and months ahead.
“Empowering your child from an early age can help them to have a ‘can do’ attitude,” says Diane. “It helps teach them to be responsible for themselves and gives a sense of fulfillment that they have been able to do things themselves without always relying on their parents. With this also comes a sense of pride that they can own. It encourages independence and builds decision-making skills.”
As your child develops and strengthens these skills, you can be there to talk through any worries and offer reassurance. Listen to and acknowledge their feelings, letting them know it is okay to feel nervous. “Parents can also take the time to go through the timetable and school activities and encourage small, positive steps like setting a goal for the first day. Talking about the exciting things they will learn can also help build confidence and ease their concerns,” says Diane.
There are all kinds of ways you can build off the mantra of ‘it starts with the socks,’ to bring some extra layers of fun and engagement into preparing for your child’s school year. Here are some ideas you might want to try, that can be just as enjoyable for parents as they are for children:
• Make school supply shopping a mini adventure by letting children pick out their favourite items or adding a fun twist like a scavenger hunt.
• The week before school starts, have your child help with making a packed school lunch and then having it as a picnic in the backyard or a nearby park.
• For younger students, you can make a game out of how quickly you can put your uniform on. There can be little rewards for this. You might also have two sets of school clothes, one all messy and the other folded neatly. Which uniform can you put on the quickest? The answer is likely to provide a great insight into having their clothes ready the night before.
• Have a checklist for your child on what they need to do the night before school and again in the morning — even after school has started. It helps with organisation and the ‘little wins’ that come with ticking things off.
• Make time for fun activities to celebrate the new school year, like a family outing or a special breakfast. These small celebrations can help your child feel more excited and ready for the year ahead.
The new school year brings with it all kinds of opportunities for growth, for fun and for big milestones. By starting with the little details — like the socks — you and your child can be ready to put their best foot forward into the year ahead.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Haileybury acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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