Do you remember your first day of school? Or what about the first day at the new school?
I remember switching schools in first grade and being terrified! I am pretty sure I cried every day for the first month. I was so afraid to leave my parents. They were my security blanket!
I bet you have had a student like that once or twice. Or maybe you even have one now!
If you are working with a student with separation anxiety or maybe just the transition to their new school, I have seven tips to help make them as comfortable as possible!
- Let them use a transition item and slowly fade it out as their anxiety decreases.
- Stick to the routine! Giving structure and predictability allows them to feel somewhat in control.
- Implement a social story like this Separation Anxiety Social Narrative or this New School/ Class Social Narrative.
- Give them grace! This is a huge deal for them. It may seem small to us as adults, but it’s a major milestone in their lives.
- Reassure them they are loved and safe. Sometimes, something as simple as verbalizing that they are loved and safe can wash away the anxiety
- Validate their feelings. Let students know these feelings are normal and okay to feel.
- Keep an open line of communication with parents/guardians. You want to be aware of any other changes in your student’s life that might cause disruption.
