Just hearing the words, “back to school” can incite trepidation in the hearts and minds of special needs parents and children. The joy and anticipation inspired by returning to school is often overshadowed by anxiety and fear.
There is nothing simple about the transition from vacation to school, but there are several ways to reduce anxiety and increase optimism for the new school year. Establishing a team approach including parents, students and educators is important.
In the Imago Dei School at Trinity Classical Academy we partner with our families to build a bridge between summer and the beginning of a new school year that allows our students to arrive on the first day with a firmly established feeling of familiarity.
Get to know some other students in the classroom. The summer is a perfect time to take advantage of informal gatherings with future classmates and peers. Our grammar school teachers in Imago Dei host a variety of supervised activities over the summer for students to get acquainted with each other in a non stressful, fun atmosphere. For older students, like our high school Imago Dei students, teachers schedule weekly outings, inviting special ed students along with their general education peers. Bowling is always a favorite and provides opportunities for supervised socialization in a neutral, fun setting. An added benefit of these summer connections is that they provide students with something to talk to their peers about at lunch and brunch once school begins.
Meet the teachers and visit the classroom. Whether this is at a summer gathering or a meeting on campus, meeting the teacher ahead of time will go a long way toward easing a student’s anxiety. Ask each teacher for permission to take their photo. Print out the pictures for your child with the teacher’s name visible on the photo. Frequently look at the pictures with your child, identifying the teachers name, and sharing any cool facts you learned about that individual.
Establish the school year routine. Will your home require new routines and expectations once school starts? Will bedtime be earlier? Will electronics be limited? Will grooming standards change? Establish your new routine, post it on a visual schedule in the home, and begin the new routine at least two weeks before school starts.
By becoming familiar with new faces, places and routines your child will be confident and comfortable with the new school year expectations.
For more information about inspiring special education, contact The Imago Dei School at Trinity Classical Academy at 661-296-2601 or visit www.TrinityClassicalAcademy.com.