Supporting Students' Transition Back to School
I've got a busy back-to-school season coming up! Our district has closed some schools, so my student population is doubling. I can already foresee the challenges with building rapport, dealing with cliques, and more. But I'm already brainstorming ways to promote inclusion and build connections! Whether you're facing a situation like mine or not even starting to think about school because you’re just starting summer break (i’m jealous!), we all know how important our role as school social workers is. We help students navigate the transition back to school, whether they're starting a new grade or returning to familiar hallways. Our support can make a big difference in their adjustment and success.
Here are practical tips to ease this transition:
1. Establishing a Welcoming Environment
Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your office and throughout the school. Greet students with a smile, and be approachable and attentive to their needs from the first day. I love decor, so having a fun classroom theme is a great way to get students talking and it can make your room memorable when they need to find you and visit later!
2. Addressing Anxiety and Uncertainty
Acknowledge and validate students' feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about the new school year. Encourage open dialogue and provide reassurance that it's normal to feel nervous. Having some relationship first can help too so all of the greetings and smiles in the hallway, etc. can really build up to being able to effectively support the student. They are more like to open up and feel comfortable when you are a familiar face!
3. Building Connections
Facilitate opportunities for students to connect with peers, teachers, and staff. Organize icebreaker activities or small group discussions to foster new friendships and strengthen existing relationships. Even the less formal and unplanned interactions can have a huge impact, sometimes more than the structured approaches! One of the most beneficial things I do each year is make myself present in the cafeteria. All of the students pass through there at some point and I can greet them with a smile and a high five! I also get the opportunity to see how they do in large social settings, who isn’t eating lunch (then I can figure out why and work on that), and so much more! It is really a game changer and I try to spend almost every day in there for the first several weeks of school.
4. Setting Realistic Expectations
Help students set realistic expectations for themselves academically and socially. Encourage goal-setting and emphasize the importance of perseverance and self-care throughout the school year. It’s also important to set your expectations and boundaries for your students, that will help create a safety net for them. Despite what many think, kids who have experienced adversities or trauma actually need structure and rules.
5. Promoting Self-Advocacy
Empower students to advocate for themselves by teaching them how to ask for help when needed. Role-play scenarios where they practice speaking up in a respectful and assertive manner. If I have a student visit me with a concern or frustration, I often go with them back to class, but I encourage them to have a conversation with their teacher or peer that they are struggling with. This gives them support but helps them to practice speaking up and advocating for themselves.
6. Collaborating with Teachers and Parents
Work closely with teachers and parents to identify students who may need additional support during the transition period. Collaborate on strategies to address individual needs and monitor progress. At the start of the year, I send out a Google Form so teachers can build a list of students I should have on my radar for various reasons. I then can focus even more on building rapport with them so I can further assess the level of support they may need.
I also like to have a one page handout ready for families to get to know me and my role when they arrive at meet the teacher day before the start of the school year! If you want a copy of this resource you can get it here.
7. Celebrating Milestones
Celebrate students' achievements, big and small, to boost their confidence and motivation. Recognize their efforts in adjusting to school routines and overcoming challenges. Sometimes, even just popping in for a classroom party is a great way to be present with students and let them know you are there for them. Other times, this means remembering that they have a big game over the weekend so you can check in on Monday and celebrate a win with them!
If you are looking for a way to help your students understand your role and build rapport, you definitely need this resource!
Supporting students' transition back to school is a collaborative effort that requires empathy, patience, and proactive communication. By providing a nurturing environment, building meaningful connections, and empowering students to advocate for themselves, we can help them thrive academically and emotionally throughout the school year.