The first day of primary school can be a daunting experience for most children. The support and guidance a child would have gotten during their kindergarten will not be the same and this transitional period can give first day jitters to most children irrespective of how excited they are to meet and greet their friends. And considering the current situation, going back to school after a long time can make a child extremely nervous.
Why Do Kids Get Nervous on Their 1st Day of School?
Transitional periods are usually quite challenging for most children. They do not know what to expect from a new classroom and new surroundings and this aspect may spike their anxiety levels to a large extent.
Schools that offer a curriculum like Montessori in preschools often have the same teacher attending to children throughout their preschool years. A primary school will change that as they will have a new set of teachers attending to them and this can be another cause for their jitters.
Even though they are quick to adapt to the new environment they still may feel overwhelmed during the first few days of primary school.
Tips by a Primary School in Singapore for Ways To Prepare Your Child To Overcome First Day Nervousness
1. Talk Things Over
The best way to help them accept that they have to go through the first day of school is to talk it out and tell them that what they are feeling is quite natural and most other children go through the same thing too. You can even give them tips on how to deal with their anxiety.
For example, you can talk to them about making new friends who they can have fun with, and also teach them how to approach another child and say hello and other social etiquettes that may help your child to break the ice when introducing themselves to a new child or teacher.
You can also talk to them about your own experiences and how you were just as nervous as your child during your primary school days. You can then comfort them by talking about how all your fears disappeared and how wonderful the rest of your school days were.
2. Ask them Leading Questions and be Ready with a Satisfying Answer
You can ask questions like, “What is it that worries you?”, “ Why do you feel nervous?”, “What is it that you don’t like about school”?,” What do you think will happen today”? etc.
You can then think about a plausible answer to their worries and convince them that their fears are unfounded. Their nervousness could be due to something very silly and putting their fears to rest will make this transition fairly easier for the both of you.
3. Get them Used to the Schooling in Singapore Routine Ahead of Time
This is in fact an important aspect that many parents don’t take very seriously. Getting your child’s body clock ready for school is something you should start doing at least two weeks before the commencement of school.
You might have to reset your child’s bedtime for an earlier time and you might want to ensure that he is awake in the morning on time for his breakfast. Sending your child to school with something inside his tummy should do the trick to keep him calmer on the first day of school.
You definitely don’t want a hungry, sleepy and anxious child at the same time, that too on the first day of school in Singapore, do you?
4. Take Them on a Campus Tour
This is another way to break the ice and help children get familiar with their surroundings ahead of the first day of school. Taking them on a campus tour will ensure that they get a first hand experience of their new classroom, new teacher, new premises, etc.
A good way to reduce the feeling of not knowing where they are going to begin their first day at primary school in Singapore, a campus tour will definitely ease their nerves. You can try and request the teacher for a one-on-one meeting with your child to help your child warm up to her and feel more comfortable.
5. Keep Your Own Anxiety in Check
Children are highly perceptive and they are the first ones to pick up a parent’s anxious state of mind. Therefore, it’s just as important that you showcase a calm and happy demeanor. You can truly enjoy these milestones and your cheerful mood will surely spread and make them feel happy too.
You should also refrain from giving them a list of instructions that they have to follow in school. This can further aggravate their anxiety and they will have another weight to carry on the first day of school.
Now let’s ease your own anxiety by helping you understand how primary schools in Singapore help children on their first day of school.
Teachers in some of the best primary schools in Singapore are trained and educated to handle young children and they do understand the importance of making children feel comfortable on the first day of school in Singapore.
The teachers are warm and friendly and they help children make buddies with each other by pairing them together or they give class responsibilities to keep children engaged.
They may also take children on a classroom tour and introduce children to all the activities inside the classroom. They also read stories and engage children in circle time where they sing and dance and recite rhymes.
Also Read: Best Strategies to Help Primary School Children with Anxiety
Conclusion
These are some tips for anxious parents to help themselves and their children on the first day of primary school. First day jitters are common however you can ease the process by helping your child and giving them a lending ear during this transition.
Team GIIS
Team GIIS is a group of enthusiastic writers who bring the vibrant world of GIIS Singapore to life through engaging blog posts. Dedicated to highlighting the school’s teaching methodology, innovative learning environment, and diverse curriculum options like IB, Cambridge and CBSE, they aim to connect with parents, educators and students, sharing insights and stories that inspire and inform the school community.
