How To Introduce A Child To A Classroom For the First Time

Introducing a child to his first class setting is a very important and very scary time for a child. Kids who are more prepared for this transition tend to be more relaxed and act out less when the time comes. Here are some tips I suggest you try.

1.    If possible try to meet the child at home. This way you can see the way the child interacts in their safe zone. Introducing yourself ahead of time so that the child can get to know you better helps to ease the feeling of anxiety when the first day comes. When they finally come to class they see a familiar face and will know that they will be ok.

2.    Try to set up a time when the child can visit the classroom. It’s best to do this when there will be no students present as this can cause anxiety and cause the child to clam up. Take the child to the different areas of the classroom and show them what they will be doing there. For Visual Learners show them pictures of the things that they will be doing and show them the materials they will be touching. For Kinesthetic Learners have them touch some of the things they will be using. Perhaps have them do something that they would normally do during class time a mini lesson.

These are just a few things that I feel would make the transition to the classroom easier on the parent, student and especially on you the teacher. Let me know if this helps.

Gladys Ewell M. A. E.

Special Needs Advocate & Consultant