Encourage the student to visit the school ahead of time to learn the location of his new classroom. A trial run before his first day will give him confidence in navigating the corridors.
Promote the student’s involvement in extracurricular activities. The quickest way for a child to make new friends is to share common interests. When a new student joins the tennis team or the drama club, he will spend time with kids who share his talents.
Stay positive even if a new student is anxious or nervous about attending a new school. Be considerate but be upbeat. Your encouragement will increase his self-confidence. He needs reassurance, not reinforcement of his anxious feelings.
Review the school policies with the student in advance. Pay particular attention to dress code and behavior policies.
Set up an appointment with the schoolteacher and another appointment with the counselor or the principal. Teachers and administrators spend more time with and take more individual interest in a child when his parents show interest.
Volunteer in the classroom. Overworked teachers are thankful to have a friendly face bringing cupcakes on Friday or helping with decorations for the school carnival. In addition, getting involved in your child’s extracurricular activities, such as assisting with her cheerleading practice or signing up to be a band mother will allow you to meet your child’s new friends.
Make consistent at-home schedules to help a displaced student make a successful transition to a new school. A regular household routine that consists of a set bedtime and mealtimes, allows a child to fall into a dependable habit of getting plenty of sleep and eating right.
Provide the student with the supplies and tools needed to be successful in school and set them out the night before. Adequate preparation encourages confidence.