In 2022, I blogged about gearing up for the start of a new school year. I’d like to revisit and tweak the ideas I presented then because the feeling of excitement and anxiety children experience around this time are universal. Here are five topics you can talk to your child about before the first bell rings.

1. Don’t stress over who will be your teacher. No matter who you get, they have already devoted hours of time preparing an ideal learning environment. From organizing bookshelves to arranging furniture, your teacher has done everything possible to make you feel welcome.
2. Even if your best friend isn’t in your classroom, you will find someone to connect with. Just remember, you are not the only one looking for friends. If you are kind, honest, encouraging, and empathetic, your classmates will likely respond the same way. If you’re still nervous, pray that God will bring you a friend.
3. With a new grade comes new expectations. Pay attention at the beginning of the year when the teacher establishes classroom routines. It’s probably different than how things ran last year, but part of growing up is adapting to different situations. It may take a few days to form a habit, so be patient with yourself.
4. Ask for help if you become frustrated with an activity. Remember, the adults in your school and your classmates want you to be successful, and most are willing to lend a hand if you need one.
5. Mistakes are okay. Everyone makes them. A lot of learning takes place when you make an error. How you respond to them will dictate your growth. Here are a few things to remember when (not if) you make a mistake.

• Own it. (This is a REALLY important step.)
• Forgive yourself.
• Apologize if needed.
• Try again. A little struggle is good for the brain.
• Don’t give up—if what you’re doing isn’t working, try something else.
• Repeat the fourth step as many times as needed.

With topics two through five, consider role playing related situations. This allows your child to problem solve in a safe environment, gives them a plan of action, and helps ease those intangible anxieties that might plague them.

Here’s to a great school year! Make new friends, try new things, and read lots of new books. We’ll always have suggestions for you on our blog. Be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s’ Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement.

Lori Z. Scott

#christianchildrensauthors #christianteachers #backtoschooltips #backtoschool