Starting School During the Pandemic
Nursery teacher Michaela Reid shares with us how parents and teachers can help preschoolers starting school for the first time since the Covid-19 crisis have a smoother, happier transition from their homes to their new classrooms in the coming year.
By Michaela Reid
When I think of new beginnings, the first experience which springs to mind is the quintessential milestone of starting school. For many children around the world, this huge transition is the beginning of years of formal education. It is the beginning of becoming part of a community with people who are very similar to them, and also very different from them. It is the beginning of immeasurable personal growth and potential lifelong friendships beyond the haven of their family home. Alas, due to the Covid-19 crisis, the beginning of school has been postponed and/or disrupted for children across the globe.
As millions of children missed their first day of school due to school closures internationally, educators became creative in how they reached their students and delivered lessons, predominantly online. Some families even opted to postpone their little ones’ 'first day' for a plethora of reasons. However, as schools are gradually opening up again, it is imperative that educators are prepared and ready to welcome their new students with a special understanding of the different anxieties they may be experiencing as they prepare to leave the security of their homes, which many have been 'locked down' in for most of their short lives.
As for parents and guardians, their child's first day of school can be an emotional experience. It is understandable that some of these normal emotions may be intensified due to the current climate. Further, it must be borne in mind that many young children have spent the crux of their lives in Covid-19 times. While contact with extended family members and friends ceased for many children, their parents may have been working from home and so were nearby and accessible. Now all of a sudden, parents are preparing to wave goodbye to their little ones at the school gate.
As 2022 commences, I have listed some helpful hints based on experience to support families as their children begin formal schooling.
Visit your child’s new school for a preliminary viewing
Understandably, many schools have restricted access at present. However, many are also now allowing parents to bring their child onsite to visit their future setting. Allowing your child to familiarise themselves with the environment helps to settle nerves. Be sure to find out which door they will be entering each morning and at what time. Look at where the children put their bags and water bottles, and where the toilets are situated. When children know what to expect, they are sure to feel a little more at ease. As an educator, I am always keen to hear what my prospective students are interested in prior to their visit so that I can set the classroom up according to their particular interests—so do reach out to teaching staff to inform them beforehand!
Talk about school and listen to your child’s thoughts and feelings
Research has shown that cortisol levels increase significantly in the first week of a child starting school. Therefore, it is important to prepare your child by talking about the process beforehand, even if they are showing little interest. Discussing school in a positive light is sure to reframe your child’s thoughts and minimise anxieties. Talk about the excitement of meeting new friends and the resources offered in school to build anticipation and prepare for the big day. Will there be any familiar faces there? Perhaps place a photograph of your family in their bag along with their favourite stuffed animal if they need some reassurance throughout the day. Further, comfort your child by explaining that teaching staff are there to help and that they are safe with the new adults in their lives. This is particularly important for inhibited children as they will often internalise their feelings.
Practice COVID-19 protocols at home
Prepare your child by teaching them to wash their hands and put on their mask with increasing independence. If your family has been shielding at home, the concept of wearing a mask may be quite foreign to your child, and it is important that they are accustomed to the new normal. Reassure your child that school will have extra masks and other sanitary equipment if they misplace their own.
Ensure your child has a good night’s sleep before the first day
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) advises that children aged between three and five years of age sleep for approximately 10–13 hours a day. Bear in mind, nursery-aged children are still undergoing rapid physical growth and studies have found strong correlations between sleep and cognitive processes such as executive functioning, memory, and language. Before starting school, implement a positive bedtime routine to ensure your child is ready and prepared. This may involve a bedtime story or relaxing music playing during ‘wind down’ time. Keeping bedtime consistent is also proven to help improve children’s quantity and quality of sleep.
So, a final note to all the little people beginning their schooling journey—GOOD LUCK!
Photos courtesy of the author.
About the Author
Michaela is a Nursery teacher at Bangkok Prep. She has been teaching for ten years and has a first class honours degree in Primary Education. She is currently studying for her MSc in Psychology, specialising in Education and Child Psychology. To schedule a visit to Bangkok Prep Early Years, please visit bangkokprep.ac.th/admissions-enquiry/
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