After The First Week: Settling into the School Year
Congratulations, families! You've successfully made it through the first week of your wBees school journey. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting and transformative period in both your child's and your life. Whether your child is returning to wBees for their second year or you’re starting your preschool journey, I’m sure so many feelings are coming up and that’s totally normal, it’s a BIG new chapter! As we wind down from the first week, we’d like to share some insights into the upcoming weeks, what you can expect, and suggestions to pave the way for an amazing school year.
Changes to Expect
Separation in the first weeks: Separation is totally unique in every child. Some children have a harder time at the beginning, with some tears and big feelings. Others are confident right off the bat. Regardless of how your child is feeling, it’s important to know that all feelings are totally welcome and each child’s journey will be different.
What we find with some children is this “beginning wave” of separation during which the child gets super excited about school and after the first week or two, they begin to show some big emotions about separation. This is totally normal as it takes some time for a child’s mind and body to get used to the new routine and structure. A young child’s body takes longer to adapt and oftentimes, the adjustment can come with big feelings in the morning before school or some tears at drop-off. Please know that if you notice this with your child as the month goes on, it’s something
Expanded Social Circle: Your child will begin forming relationships with their teachers and peers, which is an essential part of their development. Encourage these new friendships by arranging playdates with their classmates and talking to them about their teachers. Continue to practice teacher names and reassuring them these are trusted adults that keep them safe and care for them so much!
Routine Adaptations: Check in with your family and how this new schedule is feeling. Do you feel prepared in the morning? Are you making time some some self-care as well as connection time with your family? What can you tweek and adjust to have extra time for transitions that require more attention?
Different Environments: As your child becomes more comfortable with wBees and their new classroom, you might hear some insights that might differ from how your child usually goes about their day at home or elsewhere. Some behaviors can be associated with their environment which is completely normal. Some children nap every single day at school but never at home. Some children are more open to trying new things at school but keep within their comfort zone with family. Whatever these differences can be, either in behavior or in their temperment, it’s important to realize the magnitude of influence that a space/environment can have on a child and work with your teaching team to talk through any questions you might have about these differences.
Sustaining Routines
Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent daily routine, including regular sleep and meal times. Consistency provides comfort and security for your child during this time of change.
Arriving on Time: While our work cycle is child-led time during which students get to follow their interests and their own work flow, it is still important to be on time to honor that time for your child. Oftentimes, children who come in late might feel like they’ve missed out on getting to try new works, being able to fully immerse themselves into a certain activity, or they might feel disoriented coming into an already bustling classroom. We hold work time sacred at wBees because we know how important it is for children to dedicate their attention to the things that intrigue and interest them. It’s a moment for their curiosity to take the lead and for them to explore at their own pace. Of course, we totally understand life gets in the way and hard mornings can get the most of us, but we appreciate all the efforts you make to have your child arrive to school on time.
Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your toddler. Ask them about their day, and actively listen to their thoughts and feelings. This helps them feel understood and supported. If they don’t seem to want to talk about it right after school, that’s totally ok! Their bodies and minds are likely still processing all the different things they did throughout their school day. Checking in later at dinner or in the evening might encourage more language!
Create a Visual Schedule: Use a visual schedule at home to help your child understand and anticipate daily activities, including school. This is especially helpful for children who’s routine might change from day to day. This can reduce uncertainty and help them feel more in control.
Building a Strong Connection
Connect with teachers: Our first conferences are just the very first touch point for this wonderful partnership. Your child’s teachers are always available to answer questions, expand on what happened throughout the day, and to give you insights into their child’s world at wBees. This partnership between home and school is invaluable.
Feel confident that we’re here for you! Whether it be a simple question you’re having seconds thoughts about or a bigger concern you’d like to share, I (Victoria) and your teaming team are here to partner and share in this journey together.
Book Suggestions
For Adults:
"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: This book offers practical strategies for understanding and managing your child's emotions.
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: A classic guide to effective communication with children.
For Kids:
"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn: A heartwarming story about separation anxiety and the love between a parent and child.
"Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney: Follow Llama Llama as he experiences his first day of school and learns to cope with separation.
Conclusion
The first week of school is just the beginning of an exciting journey for both you and your toddler. Embrace the changes, maintain routines, and actively engage with your child's school community. With open communication, patience, and the right resources, you can navigate this transition successfully, creating a strong foundation for your child's education and future. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there are plenty of resources available to support you and your child along the way.
