Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School

Many children feel excitement and nervousness when it’s time to go back to school in the fall.  Philly Waldorf students and parents alike are likely to feel some trepidation as the new school year approaches. How do you mentally prepare, as a family, for the school year? How do we help our children have a sense of wellbeing and stability when they have so many new experiences ahead?

Waldorf students are fortunate to have practices in place that promote start-of-school wellbeing like teacher looping, consistent classmates, and whole-child curriculum.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the editor-in-chief of the journal JAMA Pediatrics says what’s most essential as we move into the fall is a strong focus on the social-emotional needs of our children.

Waldorf students are fortunate to have practices in place that promote start-of-school wellbeing like teacher looping, consistent classmates, and whole-child curriculum crafted to address social needs, but the remaining unknowns could keep our students feeling concerned. 

Here are some tips for preparing your Waldorf student for the upcoming school year: 

Young Children

Little children live in a world of their own, one based in imagination and play. Waldorf schools honor this developmental stage of childhood. What does that mean when it comes to “preparing” an early childhood student for school this year?

Less is more in preparing little ones. Young children will adapt easily to the program by modeling what teachers do and will take new suggestions in stride. Teachers will be ready to gently guide children into the new rhythm and practice of a day. 

Young children are eager to try new things. Observing the laughter and giggles during summer camp this year was a good reminder and a wonder to behold, as everyone got to know each other and new friendships were forged. The young child is wide-open to new experiences and often, it’s parental anxiety that hinders a child’s unfettered joy at embarking on their new school adventure. Try not to pass your anxieties to your children – let them be in the moment.

Elementary Students

Students in Grades 1-5 need some guidance about their year, and some encouragement to “go with the flow” and stay open to change. But discussions are best focused first around what will NOT be changing. Where applicable, remind your student that they will have the same teacher and will be seeing the same classmates. They will also be learning what their teachers have been planning for them to learn and will be drawing, having recess, using their main lesson books,  their favorite crayons, pencils or inkwell pens, and engaging in learning by doing.

It’s important for students this age to see their parents and families stay positive about changes. While change is difficult for everyone, the optimistic view on change is that it can feel like an adventure. So focus on the positives when you discuss the new year: “You’re going to spend lots of time outside, learn things in exciting new ways, and do what you know and love with the people you know and love!”

Middle School and Up

All of the previously mentioned approaches for elementary students are appropriate for older students as well. Students in Grade 6 and up will benefit greatly from knowing what will not be changing in the fall and will appreciate a positive perspective. 

It is also our role to help our older students gain a broader perspective. We should take time to listen to their fears, acknowledge uncertainty, and affirm that their emotions are natural and experienced by everyone. 

We can also help them understand what they can influence and control. Help them embrace their responsibilities and let them know that they are competent and can support their school community in many ways, by being kind and helpful, by reaching out to others and looking for ways to make a difference. Let older students know that everyone faces challenges in a lifetime and the right mindset helps us use those experiences to grow. Share some of the challenges you or other family members have overcome. Remind your children that they have a supportive family and supportive school community here to help.  

We can’t wait to see all of you and all our students next week!