Transitioning From Home To School
The launch of a school year marks a significant period of transition for all members of the family. Relaxed summer play is now upended by the weekday ritual of going to school. With that comes a new set of routines, new emphasis on time, and new stresses related to food, clothing, and logistics. Yet, it is the Montessori family who will squarely face these challenges and thoughtfully recast them as opportunities for their child(ren) to exercise independence, agency, and responsibility.
Time tested tips and ideas that Guides and Administrators around the world will offer include:
Have your child participate in preparing their lunch and packing their lunch bag.
Have your child pick and layout their clothes the night before.
As part of the bedtime wind down, chat about one material or experience they look forward to using the next day.
Play a fun spoken language or number game on the way to school; sing a song.
An older student might rehearse a presentation or recite recent research findings.
For younger children, review the arrival script: park, walk inside together, and say goodbye (or pull through the circle, be received by the staff, say goodbye and exit to walk inside).
The school can assist on the receiving end with the Guide present to welcome and walk in together, give a quick go-to task for helping the class, and even offer being an “Assistant” to get the day going.
Parents can assist by making their goodbyes quick and confident. Whereas at times children might be fine and on other occasions filled with tears, the parent’s consistent drop off composure edifies everyone’s trust in the safety and anchor of their Montessori school.
