Child in a new school: how to help with adaptation. New school. Adaptation period. How to help a child

Even an adult can be afraid to come to an unfamiliar group, especially a child. The unknown always causes anxiety; a child or teenager will have to get acquainted with new people, atmosphere, and rules of communication. It’s good if relationships with teachers and classmates go well. What if not? It is very important to discuss everything with your child possible options development of the situation, however, the emphasis should be placed only on positive aspects, a positive attitude solves a lot. Surely in your previous school there were unloved teachers, bullying classmates and conflict situations. Go to new class- a great chance to start over from scratch.

“Whoever controls the situation controls the world,” Rothschild said, and he was right. It is necessary to learn as much as possible about the new place of study: about the color of the uniform, traditions, how holidays are celebrated, what the school management considers a priority in education and upbringing. Now every educational institution has its own website or even a page on social networks. This gives you a chance to virtually meet the teaching staff, and maybe even start corresponding with students. It is easier for many people to make virtual acquaintances.

Olga Nikolaeva

Child psychologist

“Changing schools or classes must take place in September. This is the time when all children have to get used to the rhythm of school. It will be easier for a beginner to fit into educational process».

A few weeks before classes, you can go with your child to a new school, find out the location of classes, the cafeteria, the toilet, and get to know the teachers. In this case, the child’s adaptation to the new class will be easier. It is imperative to discuss the topic of moving to a new grade at home with your children; this is not an ordinary, everyday event, but a global change in a child’s life. It’s better to find as many advantages of moving to a new class as possible, to get them interested, and to see the prospects. It is very important to listen to a child or teenager, to find out his fears and experiences. You should teach your child to be himself and to let stupid jokes fall on deaf ears. Feeling the confidence and positive attitude of the parents, the child can easily cope with the current circumstances.

First impression

The first weeks in a new team are the most difficult; children with already established relationships in the class are usually hostile towards the newcomer. Therefore, parental support for a child in the first days in a new class is as necessary as air.

Natalia Komarova

School psychologist

“How easily does a child fit into new team, depends on his character. Some children make contact easily; the process of getting to know each other arouses their interest. In this case, problems with communication in the classroom rarely arise. Shy, timid children or children with increased anxiety will take a long time to get used to a new school.”

In this case, it would be useful to talk confidentially with teachers or the class teacher, talk about the difficulties that the child may have, about his character traits.

In the very first days, the child will have to learn and understand the traditions of the new class, its hierarchy and find his place. This is very difficult task, the child must understand that he will have to take the first steps in dating himself. The main thing is to start a dialogue: you can ask how to get to the dining room, or find out where the history room is. Under no circumstances should you walk around with a frowning, wary face, because friendship begins with a smile. It is very important to leave a good impression of yourself in the first days of study, because everyone likes sociable people with a sense of humor. However, making fun of teachers or classmates is a big mistake, calm, friendly person interested in communication, in most cases evokes only positive emotions.

Problems and solutions

Problems still arise in the new class. The first thing a child may encounter is the desire of the already established team to give the newcomer a low status, while it is important for the child to remain the same person as he was used to being in the previous class. The best way gaining the trust of others means showing a good attitude towards them, but you should not force your friendship on anyone.

If the child studies at primary school, you can advise him to make friends with his desk neighbor or find a kindred spirit: communication based on interests often turns into friendship for many years. Parents should definitely attend the first school meeting and meet a few moms. Positive communication between adults will help the child adapt better to the new place. Boys must understand that fists are not the solution. It is better to build relationships on respect, not fear. Of course, if we are not talking about self-defense. Unfortunately, it also happens that a child begins to be “spread rot”. Of course, this is the teacher’s problem; he must unite the children and teach them to play with each other. However, parents have to solve this problem.

Anna Khnykina

Family psychologist

“You can go to all the teachers, get to know each other, explain the situation: you didn’t come to complain, you didn’t come to control, but to cooperate. Ask to observe the situation during recess. And come back in a week. Organizing activities for the class on your premises can work against bullying - at home or in a cafe, it doesn’t matter. To do this, you need to call all the parents, kindly explain the situation and ask for support.”

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  • Adaptation to school begins a few weeks before the official September 1st. Before moving to a new place, talk to your child. Charge him with optimism! Remind them that this time will undoubtedly go well. True, at first, he may have to be patient. But no drama!
  • Make sure he comes to class a little earlier, so to speak, to “scout the situation.” Explain that a child in a new class should behave calmly, but at the same time remain himself and not be afraid to start a conversation and take the initiative if necessary.
  • Activities outside the school curriculum, clubs and sections help faster integration. What would he like to do? Music, programming, dancing, or maybe becoming a goalkeeper in a football team?

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    Establish contact with the parents of classmates - at children's birthdays or simply when leaving school. Participate in social activities and organize holidays, collaborate with teachers. Remember that you are trying at this moment for the sake of your children.

    Be prepared for the fact that the grades will be lower at first: a different methodology, class attention and the fact that the child may be angry with the changes taking place and the parents will certainly affect their studies. Don't give up and encourage him every day.

    Have a serious conversation at home, explain that we all encounter obstacles along the way in life, and this is absolutely normal. Find positive aspects and change the focus of perception: “You’ll see how lucky you are!” At the same time, never impose your opinion or put pressure (phrases like “make friends with that boy over there” - put aside!).

    How to adapt to a new school. The matter is not limited to lessons and changes; to speed up the process, invite his new friends home, let them spend more time in an informal setting. Just let him choose his guests himself.

Sometimes it's scary to move to a new school, but this article will help you get through the first time. You won't be the new kid forever. It's time to get acquainted.

Steps

    Start by taking a day to assess your environment. You won't fit into the team if you don't know the school. Ask what is where or where the school map hangs.

    Be moderately nice to everyone. Treat adults, teens and children equally well because they may be your next teacher or friend.

    Get to know your teachers. Talk and learn more about them. Determine how strict or lenient they are and test their boundaries. But don't go too far or you might end up in trouble (good for your reputation, but you'll still have to deal with trouble).

    You need to make friends. Talk to different people, but don't ignore a certain group. Be yourself and don't cheat. This is YOUR school now...seize the chance to become something you never were at your old school.

    Pay attention in class. Teachers always pay attention to new students.

    If your first day of school is the first day of a new academic year, some people will notice you, especially if it's a small school. When people talk to you, don't be nervous, but don't be too loud. Be confident and look people in the eyes. Although sometimes you have to announce yourself loudly in order to be noticed, try not to attract attention at all times. Don't worry too much about what others think of you; overanalyzing a situation is not always helpful, people may judge you for it. Be sincere, be yourself, behave well with everyone, no matter how unpleasant some people seem to you at first. Usually "the girl or guy I hate at the new school" eventually becomes mine best friends after there is more sincerity between us. But again, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself if it's extremely obvious that you should.

    Don't worry too much about knowing the school well. Remember where your locker is and have a map for emergencies, but whenever possible, ask the person sitting next to you where something is. This good way talk to people and meet many on your first day - now you new baby– tell people that everything is new to you in case you need help.

    When you're talking to people of the opposite sex, don't flirt too intensely until you're sure the person isn't in a relationship. Once one person hates you, their entire group will feel the same way about you. Remember, these people grew up together, so it is their responsibility to protect their lifelong friends. Be pleasant and optimistic, even if someone bothers you on purpose. They may even let you bother the other new guy someday, usually it takes a year and a half, but the opinion of you as a new guy will not be the same. Always remember to make a good first impression, but it is also important to be yourself.br>

    Before your first lunch, talk to many people in the class. They may usually ask you if you're sitting with someone, but if not, steer the conversation towards dinner (like, is the food good, etc.). If no one specifically mentions eating together, but you go to a cafe together, the implication is that you will eat lunch together.

    In the first week of school, treat everyone well and talk to everyone, even if someone seems strange to you. They may know people you'll become friends with or introduce you to more people. However, if everyone hates them, we advise against becoming their best friend unless you really want to. Don't get too hung up on anyone, hang out with everyone and get to know the person or group enough before you consider them friends. Usually the most insidious and manipulative people talk to you first, and the ones you talk to later become your true friends.

    Pay attention in class and study diligently at school. If someone passes you a note or whispers something to you, ignore them and turn your attention to the teacher.

    Sign up for several clubs or sports sections and make friends with others in this way. Take your participation in these hobby clubs seriously.

    After you've spoken with someone a few times, ask them for their contact information. Better yet, offer them something to do over the weekend.

    Be kind to other children. While you don't want to be a total suck-up, kids like someone who will cooperate with them. If you are asked for a favor, do it. Don't be too trusting - sometimes people will even provoke you to test your boundaries - to scout the situation. Just confidently (maybe even with a big smile on your face)...answer “judiciously.” Like if they called you a “jerk,” ask why they called you a jerk. If you are accused of something you did not do, say that you never did what you are accused of, and then ask who said it.

  1. Be consistently balanced inside and out, and don't think too deeply about people or situations. Work on your desire to fit in, but at the same time, be yourself. The first couple of weeks are always confusing.

    • If you move during the school year, you will receive more attention for a longer period. But don’t be surprised that everyone will talk about you (not necessarily bad), because the only interesting thing around is you.
    • People will ask you a lot of questions. Answer them, but don't jabber. In turn, ask about the school and the students. If someone is talking about someone you don't know, ask questions to clarify the main points, but listen to what they say.
    • The clothes you wear don't have to match your school's fashion! People are attracted to what's different, but it can bring you both good and bad attention. Always be intuitive to the people around you, and hold back your style for a while. But don’t dress like a carbon copy! If there is nothing outstanding about you, no one will feel the desire to recognize you.
    • On your first day, wear clothes you like, but if you have a very different style, tone it down a little. Dress simply, you don't want to alienate people just because of your clothes.
    • If your locker is located next to someone whose owner you had a disagreement with the first time you met, try talking again to see if the person was just having a bad day.
    • If you do this, you may make new friends. Even if it's not your first day of school, try to interact with people, but not too much, otherwise they won't like you very much.
    • The main thing about being a new child is that you are new. Everyone already has friends. They don't need you as a friend. Your only trump card is the novelty of being a newcomer. This effect will wear off at the end of the first month, so make the most of it.
    • You need to squeeze into a group; even if you feel uncomfortable, keep trying.

    Warnings

    • If you got a bad reputation at your old school, don't talk about it at your new school. Just pretend it didn't happen and don't repeat the same old mistakes at your new school.
    • Don't be shameless. Showing yourself to people right away is great, but let them have their say.
    • Try, if you can, to avoid scandals.
    • Don't be a negative character. People don't like sad people. How to avoid this? Think positively about every situation.

School is a child’s base. It is at school that children learn to succeed. Adaptation to a new school can be very nervous and scary for a child. When he goes to a new school, he worries about many things: that he doesn’t know anyone at all, or that he won’t be able to fit into the team. He worries that he might just get lost, or that teachers will be too hard on him. However, as soon as the student joins the educational process, new friends immediately appear, and life gets better. To make the adjustment process easier, you need to learn as much as possible about school and thoroughly prepare for the first day in a new one. educational institution. In addition, it is very important to learn how to make friends with your classmates.

Steps

Getting to know the new school

    Arrange an orientation tour at the new school. Before you move to a new school, visit it with your parents. Find out where the classroom you will be studying in, the cafeteria, the assembly hall, the gym and other important places are located (including the toilet!)

    Meet with your teachers. Meeting new teachers will allow you to adapt more smoothly to your new school. Introduce yourself and smile. Being friendly with teachers will help with the transition to a new school. Find out the key things about them: their names, what subject they teach, and where they teach it.

    Read the house rules. If you know all the specifics of school policies in advance, it will be easier for you to adapt to the new school culture. The school charter can be obtained from the school itself or downloaded from the school website. Review school rules with your parents. If something is not clear to you, your parents will be able to explain certain points to you. If your new school doesn't have a charter, read the rulebook.

    • The school charter may include interesting facts about the school itself, which will help you get to know the school, its history, students and teachers better.
  1. Check out the academic calendar year. It will be useful to know on what dates vacations, short school days, or special days are planned, for example, when sports competitions take place. Mark these days on your calendar. This way you will look forward to a short school day or a day off.

    Prepare your school supplies. Get a list of required items from the school or on the school website, and try to buy everything you need before you go to school.

    Get a good night's sleep. You should start the first day of school with a good night's sleep. A good rest will help get rid of possible nervousness. Try to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep if you are over 12. If you are between 7 and 11 years old, get 10-11 hours of sleep.

    Have a hearty breakfast. Don't worry about the amount of food you eat; you'll need extra energy before lunch. Eat protein-rich foods for breakfast, such as a peanut butter sandwich or eggs.

    Get your school clothes ready. Before the first day of school, prepare the necessary clothes in advance the evening before. Then in the morning you won’t have to rush to find clean pants or a second pair of shoes. Preliminary preparation will help you start the day calmly. You will have enough time to imagine yourself in a special school uniform.

    • If you wear a school uniform, buy it in advance and make sure it fits you well. Well-fitting clothes will help you feel more confident when you start at a new school.
  2. Go to your new school early. Make sure you leave enough time to get to school. You probably don't want to rush into class after the bell rings. Plus, if you get to school early, you'll have the opportunity to socialize with other students and, if you're lucky, make a few new friends.

    Talk to your parents about what is bothering you. Surely, your parents have experience of moving from one school to another. Ask them about how they felt when they made new friends.

Make an effort

    Study the school rules. Each school has its own set of rules to help students stay safe and do well. This school may require teacher permission to go to the restroom during class. Studying school rules will help you get used to things faster and avoid trouble.

    Do what the teachers say. When you move to a new school, you should be very careful about the teachers' instructions. You don't have to be a sycophant, but you should try to make a good impression on your teachers. This will have great value while settling into a new school.

    Do your homework and try to do well in school. If you do your homework regularly and put in enough effort, the adaptation process will go much faster. The process of adjusting to a new school environment is already difficult, so you probably don't want to feel even more stressed because of poor grades.

    Make sure you are placed in the correct class. When you move to a new school, you will have certain grades in school subjects and you will be placed in a certain class. In most cases, this means you will be placed in the class you are supposed to be in. For example, if you graduated from fourth grade at your previous school, and apply to a new school in the summer, you will move to fifth grade.

    • If you are in high school, meet with the principal to ensure that you have fully studied all the subjects required to sit for the exams and receive your diploma.
  1. Tell your parents about the good things you did at school. When you're adjusting to a new school, you can sometimes feel insecure and lonely. But good things happen every day that are worth paying attention to. These things may seem insignificant, but in reality they are not. Telling your parents about these things will help you realize that you are getting used to school.

    • Here are some examples: you got a good grade in a particular subject, you said hello to someone you didn't know before, you scored a goal in gym class, and so on.

Making friends

  1. Learn to introduce yourself. You may be afraid to introduce yourself to someone or start a conversation, especially if you are shy. However, once you overcome your fears, before you know it, you will find yourself among friends. Choose someone to introduce yourself to. Smile and say hello. Talk about something related to school, for example, start the conversation by asking what class is next on the schedule or how you liked (or didn't like) English class, etc.

    • Practice a similar conversation with one of your parents, a sibling, or even a pet.
    • You can also think of other ways to start a conversation, such as complimenting someone on their clothing or a cool laptop.
  2. Get to know the other students before class starts. Making friends before school starts will make your first day of school easier. Visit a park near your school or join a school camp. This way you will already have friends before school starts.

Stress for the child, but sometimes circumstances develop in such a way that there is simply no other way out. First time child at new school, most likely, will not feel too comfortable. How to facilitate and shorten the period of adaptation of a child to a new educational institution?

The first time after moving to a new school we need to lower the bar of demands on the child. A child in a new school already experiences pressure: he has to get used to new teachers and their requirements, and join the new team. Naturally, his academic performance may decline, and his behavior may not change. better side. If his parents are too demanding of him, the period of adaptation to the new school risks dragging on for a very long time.

The task of parents is to support the child during this difficult period of life. Take an interest in him school life, help if the need arises. And this means not only help with homework. Perhaps your child will need your advice regarding relationships with classmates.

You also need to make sure that the child follows: in the first weeks at the new school, his workload will already be heavy, but if he also lacks sleep, it will be much more difficult for him. Help your child plan his working day so that there is enough time for both study and rest (including active rest). .

At first, the child will miss communication, because most of his friends remain at the old school. If you stay in the same area, he will be able to communicate with them after school, but when changing schools due to moving, the child often finds himself alone: ​​contact with old friends is lost, and he does not yet have new ones. That's why you need to encourage your child to communicate with new classmates, participation in extracurricular activities, trips, excursions, etc.

From time to time take an interest in how your child’s relationships with classmates develop, but do it unobtrusively, do not interrogate. It is important to establish a trusting relationship with your child so that he is not afraid to turn to you for advice on communicating with peers or simply sharing details of his life.

Maybe it's worth it throw a small party at home, so that your child can communicate with classmates in an informal setting, and you, in turn, can see who your child is studying with. However, if the child refuses this, do not insist: he knows better what the rules are in the classroom, perhaps such a party will not be very appropriate.

If your child fails at something, encourage him. Be sure to reward him for his successes and achievements., even the seemingly most insignificant ones: there is no need to take them for granted. A child in a new school usually does not feel very confident, so any praise is important to him, especially if it comes from you.

Maintain relationships with teachers, attend parent meetings, don't be afraid to participate in class life: in order to get a truly truthful picture of how life is going for a child in a new school, information needs to be obtained from different sources.

It will take some time for your child to adapt to a new school., it cannot be instantaneous: no matter how smart and sociable the child is, a change of environment will still unsettle him. Let everything take its course: help the child, support him, but do not force things.

However the adaptation period should not be delayed, otherwise lack of composure and problems with studies can turn from a temporary phenomenon into a permanent one. If a child can’t get used to a new school for a very long time, make friends, if his grades don’t seem to improve, and the child regrets changing schools, you need to talk to him and find out what exactly he doesn’t like, what isn’t working out. Perhaps a child psychologist can help in this case.