After weeks of sun, swimming and vacationing, the new school year begins on Monday, July 24 in the Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD). This exciting new chapter includes many emotions: excitement, anticipation and optimism. But for some students, the one thing they may be feeling is nervousness, especially if it is their first time ever going to a new school.
Here are some tips to help your student be comfortable and confident on their first day:
Talk to your student
Encourage your child to share what they are looking forward to and what they are nervous about. Remind them they are capable of navigating new experiences. You can do this by sharing memories of how they successfully navigated new experiences in the past. Maybe they did something scary or challenging during the summer break. But no matter what, let your student know you support them.
Establish a morning routine
Setting up a routine will help your student feel calm and prepared. You and your student be preparing their backpack, lunches, supply lists and (most importantly) their first day of school outfit. Having a predictable routine can provide a sense of stability and reduce the stress of getting ready on time.
Shopping for the right outfit
A new outfit can help your student feel confident and excited to show off their new look. Even a new backpack can help a student feel excited for the first day of school. It's recommended that you and your student clean out their closet first of old clothes before making room for new ones.
Meet the teacher
Make sure your student gets a tour of the school and meets their teacher. This is especially good for junior high and high school students who need to know where their various classes will be on the campus. Meeting teachers can also help students establish a positive connection and become familiar with the classroom.
Pack a note in their lunchbox
Who doesn’t like a nice, encouraging note? Slip one into their backpack or lunchbox as a sweet surprise for them. Write encouraging messages, how proud you are of them, and how much you love them. This will definitely boost their confidence during the day.
After the first day of school is over, take a moment to celebrate with your students. Ask them what they experienced, what they learned, who they met. Reflect on the positive aspects of the day you establish a sense of accomplishment in your student.
Need more information before school starts? Visit QCUSD's Back to School Resources Page to learn what information you need to know.
