3 Ways to Help Your Students Transition Into the School Year
While the back-to-school season is an exciting time, it also can be a stressful one filled with deadlines and last-minute preparations. For students, the transition from summer vacation to the academic year can be jarring, especially for those entering a new building or moving into kindergarten, middle school or high school.
To help your students ease themselves back into school, we invite you to explore a few strategies that can set up your academic year for success!
1. Establish a Strong, Supportive Classroom Community
Students learn best when they feel safe and supported. In an empowering environment, they are more likely to ask questions, take risks and try new things. During the first week of class, consider gathering everyone together to collaboratively create a set of classroom rules and guidelines that will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected. Setting these rules early can go a long way in reducing classroom conflict and improving your learning environment. Some examples of topics to cover include:
- Ways to disagree
- Behaviors to avoid
- Tips for dealing with conflict
- How to communicate respectfully
- Consequences for unacceptable action
2. Give Helpful Classroom Tours
Especially important for younger students, holding a classroom tour, either before school starts or on the first day, can help children feel comfortable in their new learning environment. During this time, be sure to point out where children can find different materials, any supports that might have been added for accessibility, where children will be sitting and any items in the classroom that should not be accessed without permission. As students get familiar with the layout of their new classroom, they’ll feel more comfortable in their space, which can lead to improved learning outcomes.
3. Kick Off Your Year With Icebreakers
During the first week of class, consider engaging your students in a series of activities that help them get to know each other. Known as “icebreakers,” these games and challenges can help children open up and practice communicating. Cornell University’s Center for Teaching Innovation recommends you think about what you want to achieve with each activity and consider the logistics required to ensure a positive experience. Check out our blog for a list of accessible STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities suitable for many different learning environments.
Find More Back-to-School Ideas
Check out the National Inventors Hall of Fame® blog for more ideas you can use in your classroom throughout the school year.