Preparing Families for Change

I posted these tips in the January holidays to help prepare families for the new school year. However, this information is not just for the start of the year. These are strategies to consider all year round, particularly when finishing and starting a new term.

Now that your young person has been at school, this is a great time to reflect on what is/isn’t working and even speak with the teacher so they can help you prepare your young person for a positive start to Term 2. During the holidays you might even like to use strategies such as a countdown calendar, social story or school walk through.

TIPS

• Consider sending the teacher a SNAPSHOT OF YOUR CHILD.
  Strengths, challenges, and strategies that might help. The snapshot could be a letter to the teacher from your child, or a one-page document such as: '10 Things About Me'. Involve your child - get their input. Keep it to one page!

•  Consider an INFORMAL 'POP IN' (check with the teacher first).
  This is not a formal meeting, just a quick 5 to 10 minutes 'hello' to connect with the teacher and to get familiar with the new classroom. Student free days can be a good time for this.

• The WALK THROUGH.
  Even if you don't get a chance to connect with the teacher, a casual walk through can familiarise and reconnect your child with school.

• PREPARATION is key.
  Short conversations about what to expect and school routines can alleviate last-minute information overload. This can also ensure your child's questions don't go unanswered. You could even set up a Q&A box where your child can post questions or worries when they think of them!

• 'WHAT-TO-DO CHATS'.
  If your child is anxious, allow them to express their concerns without jumping in to provide a solution. Together, try to problem solve some 'what to do' scenarios. Ensure your child knows their safe person and safe place from Day 1.

• Establish a ROUTINE and visualise it (e.g. check lists, routine schedule).

• Avoid starting the routine on Day 1 of the new year. 
  Practice makes perfect!

• COUNTDOWN as the start date gets closer.
  Calendars, whiteboards and social stories work well.

• UNIFORMS matter!
  Give your young person opportunities to wear the uniform around the house beforehand. This gives them a chance to get used to the new textures and sensations, and time for you to problem solve potential issues that may arise due to sensory differences. Nothing worse than trying to sort out 'too tight' shoes or itchy tags on the first day!