Adjusting to a New Routine and Environment
Adjusting to a new routine and a new environment offers a lot of opportunities and a few challenges. For some children entering Clover Montessori School, this may be their first care environment away from home. For others, it may be similar to their previous care environment, yet there are new faces, new spaces, and new practices. To make the transition as comfortable as possible for our students, we've written some advice for adjusting to a new school.
Getting here
On the way to school, prepare your child by chatting lightly about the day ahead (“You’ll have delicious snacks today!”) and assuring them you will see them after the day is done.
What if that’s not the case, though? What if the person who normally picks up your child will not be picking up on that day? Young children process anxiety differently than older children or adults, and their concept of time is still developing, so it is important to avoid messages like, “I’ll be gone when you get home, but I’ll see you tomorrow!” For an older child, such a warning would be helpful preparation for your absence. For a toddler or preschooler, that’s frightening news they will carry with them into their day.
The smiling goodbye
Create a ritual of a hug at the door, an affirming word (“I love you! You’ll have fun with friends today!”), and a smile and wave. Brief goodbyes are gentle goodbyes.
Stay positive and smile during goodbyes to let your child know that you are confident they are safe. Children easily sense a parent's emotions.
After school
Conversation gives children an opportunity to practice new vocabulary they have gained, encourages them to reflect positively on the day, and teaches them to take turns sharing and listening. During conversations about school, ask your child specific, open-ended questions, like:
What was fun today?
What songs did you sing? Could you teach me?
What works did you choose?
What snacks did you eat?
Adjustment takes time
Give yourself and your child time to adjust. The first couple of weeks might be challenging--it is normal for children to experience some regression in emotional regulation or toilet learning and you yourself might feel unsettled in response--but with patience you will find that all will be well.
We cannot wait to welcome you and your child into our community here at Clover Montessori School!