The First Six Weeks

As we begin a new school year at the ELS, it may be some of your children's first time at school, first time in a mixed age classroom, or first time with their current group of peers or their teachers.

These changes are hard on children, and hard on us as the parents who love them, too! The first week especially brings lots of crying, challenging rest times, and a spike in physical behaviors for many children. After the initial first day excitement and nervousness, we might, as adults, expect our kids to settle in pretty quickly and start thriving in their new classrooms.  However, research (Anderson et. al, 2011) shows that it generally takes up to six weeks for ANYONE--not just children--to fully embrace something new, whether that is a new environment, a new teacher, a new set of peers, or all of the above. 

At the ELS, teachers work hard to help young children have a smooth transition into their new classrooms.  They communicate daily with families through Brightwheel, post a blog every two weeks, and hold Family Partnership Conferences before the year starts to get to know all of you.  Within the classroom, they use visual schedules to make each day's routine predictable, which greatly reduces anxiety for what comes next. They use transition songs and games to make moving around the building fun, interactive and engaging, and try to keep wait times short. They spend the first six weeks focused on building a sense of belonging (B'Rit), setting consistent and clear expectations, and learning about each child as a unique individual.

While these first few days and weeks can feel chaotic at drop-off with more tears (keep your goodbyes short and confident!), rest assured that as routines are built and repeated, soon your little one will be jumping in with little to no hesitation. Naps may be shorter or non-existent at first and evenings at home may be more difficult from restraint collapse, when a child has been on their best behavior all day long and lets out their big feelings where they feel safest (with you!). All of this settles out as children build relationships and trust with their teachers and peers and get used to the structure, expectations and environment of each classroom.

Whether you have an infant coming to school for the first time or a preschooler meeting some new friends during their second year in a mixed-age preschool room, it is normal and expected to experience some growing pains as change occurs.  At home you can revisit social stories posted in the previous Inclusion blog, or read articles about common behaviors you may experience as your child goes through a big transition. Some of these articles are up front at the ELS, and I have also posted one below about restraint collapse. Speak positively about school and your child's teachers, ask questions about their day, give them lots of extra love and patience, and hang in as we work together to build the magic that is classroom community here at the ELS!

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your child during the beginning of the year transition.