A Successful Preschool Transition: Managing Separation Anxiety

Summary

The script discusses the normalcy of separation anxiety in children transitioning to school. It highlights various behaviors children may exhibit, such as crying or clinginess, and emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach by educators to comfort and engage children without prolonging their distress. Parents are encouraged to establish consistent goodbye routines, maintain confidence, and use resources like books and school visits to support their child's adjustment. The script also stresses the value of communication between parents and teachers to address any child's specific concerns effectively.

Takeaways

• 😌 It's normal for children to experience separation anxiety when adjusting to school, which can show in various ways such as crying or being clingy.
• 👶 Separation anxiety is common in toddlers and preschoolers and can last from a few days to a couple of months.
• 🤗 Teachers are trained to handle separation anxiety and use strategies like comforting, distraction, and gradual involvement in activities to help children adjust.
• 👋 Parents can support their child's transition by establishing a consistent and loving goodbye routine and saying goodbye at the classroom threshold.
• 📚 Reading books with themes of dealing with sadness or goodbyes can help children process their feelings and prepare for school.
• 👀 Parents should show confidence in their child and the school, and an upbeat goodbye can positively influence the child's experience.
• 🗣️ Communication with school staff is crucial for addressing concerns and getting updates on the child's progress.
• 🏫 Attending school events like new student visitation days and family socials can help parents and children become familiar with the school environment.
• 📖 Knowledge about the child's class and teachers can reassure parents and provide context for discussions about the child's school day.
• 🌐 Watching educational videos or attending parent education evenings can deepen parents' understanding of the Montauri approach used in the school.
• 🌐 Providing the teacher with words from the child's native language can help bridge communication gaps and connect with the child.
• 🔍 Keeping the school informed about family circumstances or other stressors in the child's life can help the school provide better support.

Q & A

What is considered normal behavior for a child when adjusting to school?

It is normal for a child to experience separation anxiety when adjusting to school. This can manifest in various ways such as crying at drop-off, protesting after the newness wears off, or showing general uneasiness about attending school.

How long can separation anxiety last in children?

Separation anxiety can last for as little as a few days to as long as a couple of months.

What is the approach taken by teachers in Leaport classrooms to handle a child's separation anxiety?

Teachers balance a sympathetic response with getting the child involved in activities. They acknowledge the child's feelings, give them time to recover, but discourage staying immersed in sadness for long. They soothe the child and gradually ease off physical comfort in favor of involvement.

How can teachers help a tearful child at school?

Teachers might invite the child to stay close, pair them with an older student, give them a presentation with Montauri material, show something familiar, read a comforting book, or show the snack routine to help distract and soothe the child.

What should parents do if they worry about their child's reaction to separation at school?

Parents should remember that teachers see separation anxiety in various forms every day and it's not a disruption they can't handle. They should communicate any concerns with administrative personnel.

What can parents do at home to help their child transition smoothly to school?

Parents can talk to their child about drop-off, establish a consistent goodbye routine, read books about dealing with sad feelings, and become knowledgeable about the child's class and people in it.

Why is it important for parents to say goodbye at the classroom threshold?

Saying goodbye at the classroom threshold sends the message from the start that parents will not be with the child while at school, allowing the teacher or assistant to guide the child into the classroom.

What activities can parents engage in to learn more about their child's school experience?

Parents can attend new student visitation days, family socials, hang the child's class picture in a prominent place, and attend parent education evenings to learn more about the Montauri approach.

How can parents help teachers connect with their child if English is not spoken at home?

Parents can provide the teacher with a few words from their native language to help the teacher connect with the child.

What should parents do if there are other stressors in their child's life that might affect school?

Parents should keep the school informed of family circumstances that affect the child, such as a new baby on the way or a big move, and communicate any issues the child mentions about school.

How can parents be better informed about their child's school experience?

Parents can become knowledgeable about the child's class, attend parent education evenings, watch Leaport YouTube videos to see children in action, and maintain open communication with the school.