The first day of school is one of the lasting memories that everyone cherishes forever. The excitement of meeting new friends, the anticipation of a new beginning, the sorrowful cries upon getting separated from the parents, and the happiness of going back home, which seemed to be the longest day of life, are core memories for adults; however, for children, it can be a transition they aren’t well prepared for. Keeping this in mind, this blog has been written that will cover everything that a child should expect from their first day of school, along with some valuable tips for both parents and teachers to make it easier for the children.

How to Prepare for the First Day of School

The first day of school is special for any child, which is why you must follow the tips mentioned below to ensure your child is prepared for the big day of their life:

• Make them take a shower and make their hair properly so that they look clean and decent.
• Help them learn your house address, the parent’s names, and other necessary details before they leave for school.
• Get them a lunchbox and a decent water bottle that can last a day.
• Teach them how to ask for help and permissions for their basic requirements, such as washroom. Tell them that there’s no need to hesitate if they need anything at school.

Tips for Parents to Make the Transition Smooth for Their Child

The transition from remaining at home for the whole day to going to school can be very hard for your child if they’ve never lived alone or away from you. In that case, you can follow the following tips to make this change easy for your child:

●      Take a School Tour

You can take your child on a tour of the school where they’ll be studying. Schools like K.R. Mangalam World School, Best school in Vikaspuri, allow visitors to the school premises so that they can see what the school has to offer. Moreover, this can be a great way to make your child familiar with their new upcoming life.

●      Discuss Expectations

Have a discussion about school life with your child and let them know exactly what they should be expecting. Make sure you discuss with them about school life, how their first day could be, things they should be careful of, and how you won’t be there to look after them so they’re prepared for it.

●      Start a Back-To-School Calendar

One of the most effective ways to get rid of solitude and fill your child with excitement about their new life is to start a back-to-school calendar. In this method, you need to put a red circle on a calendar date when your child is supposed to join the school and keep crossing every date as the days pass. This will make your child more restless and excited about the new school life until the big day finally arrives.

●      Try Pairing Them Up with a Friend

If any of your relatives, neighbours, or friends’ children go to the same school that you’ve chosen for your child, then you can pair them up together so your child has a companion who they can rely on in your absence.

How Can Teachers Make the First Day of School Memorable for Students

It is the job of the teachers to make the newcomers feel comfortable and ready for the new life that they’re going to live from then on. Here are some tips that a teacher can use to comfort the newcomers:

●      Get to the Class Before Anyone Else

You must ensure that you reach the classroom before any of your students arrive so you can comfort and settle them as they arrive. You must act as the first point of contact and navigate them to the classroom with positive energy.

●      Greet the Children with a Warm Smile

Children are attracted towards kindness, and as a teacher, you must shower them with all the love and kindness you hold. Greet them with a warm and welcoming smile and initiate small comforting conversations.

●      Play Games as an Icebreaker

Once the children have settled, you can play individual games and school activities as an icebreaker so everyone is comfortable with each other. This will help the children initiate conversations and make friendships with each other. Moreover, you can come up with some creative first-day teaching ideas to show the children that learning is fun so they do not feel ill of it.

●      Have One-On-One Conversations

You can also go up to every child and initiate one-on-one conversations with them so that they can feel comfortable around you. This is a great way to ensure that they come up to you in case they face any problems or discomfort.

Conclusion

The first day of school holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. It’s a new beginning, full of anticipation, all sorts of emotions, and new friendships that will last a lifetime. This is exactly why it’s important to set the right expectations for children so they can navigate through the transition and translate all their fears into comfort so they can create memories that they’ll cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first day of school the same for everyone?

Everyone experiences the first day at school differently; for some, it can be a new beginning, while for others, it’s a trauma for a very long time. We can’t tell for sure if every child has an almost similar experience or not, but it is certain that the first day of school is a turning point in the lives of every child.

What should I do if my child starts crying when I drop them at school?

You can console them and tell them that it’s just a matter of time. Almost every other child cries on the first day of school, but as a parent, it is your duty to let them be so they can start learning to live without you.

Is daycare a good option to prepare my child for their first day at school?

Putting your child in daycares before putting them in schools can be a great option to let your child prepare for the first day at school.

Should I admit my child to the same school as our neighbour’s child?

Your child might feel safer and less lonely if they were to go to school with someone they already know. This way, they might not feel the separation as much as they would if they were alone. Moreover, they’ll have someone to talk to and go to in case they feel lonely, which again is a good thing for your child.