Transitioning a child into a new school can be a stressful time. We spoke with two educational leaders to find out how to help children settle in
Moving to a new country can be a daunting time for children whether they are four-years-old or fourteen. Aside from leaving friends and getting to grips with a new country, culture and lifestyle, they are put to the test when school starts.
“Children face a number of challenges when they start a new school and especially with a new culture and country,” said Lesley Isherwood, principal at Al Yasat Private School.
“Usually they can feel quite overwhelmed, alone and even frightened, especially in the first few days and weeks as they face having to make new friends whilst at the same time having to get to know a new school building, new teachers, a new routine, a new culture and sometimes a new language and curriculum.”
Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada)’s (ADGS) principal, Richard Siler, said children’s adaptability depends on their age, with younger children adapting quicker.
“Four to eight-year-old children experience the fewest challenges including a new language,” Siler said. “Curriculum changes may cause some difficulties but young students adapt quickly.”
He added: “Nine to 14-year-olds miss friends and often struggle to make new ones due to cultural or language differences. Older students face curriculum challenges and learning expectations different from their past experiences.”
To help students settle in quickly, Al Yasat Private School encourages parents and students to visit their new school before the start of term so both sides can get to know each other. This parent-school partnership continues into the year with “Meet the Teacher” sessions and meetings with the school counsellor or parent liaison officer. The school has implemented various strategies to help with children who struggle to settle in such as the buddy system and encouraging participation in after school activities and social groups.
When expatriate children join a school year once term has already started, they can be faced with a multitude of problems as classmates are already familiar with their surroundings and have made new friends.
Siler recommended familiarising your child with the new curriculum before the move, specifically English and mathematics. “If they arrive and feel comfortable with what is being taught and others are learning, they will quickly identify with classmates and become part of the class,” said Siler. “Confidence in their own performance is important. They need to believe they can do it.”
Some children may become anxious when faced with a new curriculum and come under pressure to perform well in their academic studies. To alleviate this, Siler recommended putting more emphasis on learning behaviours than marks and grades.
“Good learning habits will produce the grades; participate, collaborate, try, reflect. Talk to the teachers. If they only talk about academic performance, find a new school where learning is emphasised and child development is the goal.”
Parents and teachers may notice the child is stressed or aloof. But Siler pointed out that encouraging children to solve problems themselves can help boost confidence and relieve stress.
“One of the best things that can be done is to help the child understand that they are not the only ones in a new school,” he said. “Linking them up with others having similar experiences is important. Letting them talk about their worries and problems without judging is also valuable. Helping them believe that they can solve their own problems is one of the techniques we use at ADGS. This is done by simply pointing out to them that they have solved a problem, no matter how small.”
While some children may eventually find their feet and become settled in their new school, others may struggle.
If parents notice their children are unsettled, Isherwood advised they “discuss the school day with their child and take a genuine interest in what their child is doing each day. Share these observations with the teacher and school so that both can work together to support the child.”
Siler suggested parents consider moving their child to a new school when they begin using ‘destructive coping mechanisms’ such as violent behaviour, withdrawal from social interaction and lack of sleep.
While students of all ages will undoubtedly find it a challenge to settle into a new school, finding the right institute that helps prepare your child to integrate and keeps an open line of communication with parents can help make the transition smooth and successful.
New to the capital and still need to enrol your children in school? While finding a place for your child at this time may be a struggle, a few schools still have limited seats available for the 2014/2015 academic year, including Brighton College, Al Raha International School and Al Yasat Private School.
Each school will have its own requirements for applications such as ID cards or school candidate reference forms. Be sure to contact the admission office of each institute, for further information.
To find out more about Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada), contact: 050 127 8896
To find out more about Al Yasat Private School, contact: 02 641 2300
