The start of the new school year is an exciting time for many children and parents. As children transition from home to school, they may experience nervousness and confusion, both of which are completely normal after a relaxing summer.

In a classroom setting, children are expected to follow rules, routines, and instructions. These expectations may be overwhelming for your child to handle all at once. As a parent, you play a big role in preparing your child for academic success by using strategies that will build the social-emotional skills they need to thrive.

To help your child prepare for school, here are three simple approaches you can use at home:

Practice Classroom Rules

Familiarizing your child with classroom etiquette will help them feel much more confident on their first day. Teachers will introduce a new set of rules for their class, whether it be waiting in line, sharing supplies, or listening to directions.

You can promote your child’s engagement by practicing these expectations during everyday activities and using praise to reinforce those positive actions. For example, while playing a game together, verbally remind your child to “Wait until it is your turn to play.” After briefly waiting until their turn, celebrate your child’s actions by saying, “Thank you for being an amazing listener and waiting for your turn!”

Recognizing your child’s efforts encourages them to replicate that same behavior in the classroom.

Guide Your Child’s Emotions

When your child feels frustrated or stressed, try guiding them through their emotions with warmth and sensitivity. For example, if a family member or friend is playing with a toy they wanted and your child becomes visibly upset, you could say, “Let’s tap them on the shoulder and ask if you could have a turn playing once they are done” or “You can ask David, “Can I help you with the puzzle too?” so he knows you want to play too.”

With proper communication, you help them regulate their intense feelings and build the social skills needed to express their emotions!

Incorporate Questions into Conversation

It is important to ask open-ended questions that encourage collaborative learning, creativity, and deeper thinking during playtime or in conversation with your child.

When reading stories, try asking questions such as, “What part of the story did you like the most? Why?” “What do you think is going to happen next?” or “What would you do if you were this character? How would you feel?”

By modeling these conversations, you build the confidence and critical thinking skills your child needs to participate in the classroom.