In one of my previous articles, I discussed why some teachers are leery of getting a transfer student. In some cases a transfer student may mean trouble will follow. In other cases, transfer students can mean more work and training time for the teacher. It can also be difficult if the child is academically ahead or behind in the textbook or work that the class is presently completing.
In the last article I took a stand point more from a teacher’s point of view. In this article I will look at transferring schools more from a student’s point of view.
Moving to a new school can be a very nervous and scary experience for a child. I changed schools two times during my school career. In both cases, I was joined by my classmates. Therefore the experience was not as bad as it could have been. The first time my school closed and everyone was sent to a different school. The second time I moved from elementary school to high school.
Some children move schools several times during their school career. Some of those moves may even occur during the same school year.
In my opinion, I feel that younger children accept and adjust better to a school change than older children. Younger students are less set in friendships. They more easily make new friends. They worry less about popularity and being made fun of at the new location. They are more accepting of new things. I think that these things usually hold true through about the second grade.
When a child must move to a new school, I think that it is very important for the parent to be actively involved in the move.
To help make the move a little easier on your child, try some of the tips listed below.
Take your child to visit the school the day before he or she will begin.
While visiting, ask for a tour of the school and an introduction to the new teacher.
Take your child the first day. Even if your child will ride the bus, make sure that you go with your child on the first day that he or she will attend the new school.