It’s back to school season everyone! Whether it’s your child’s very first time at school, or they’re starting fresh at a new school, the first day brings a mix of excitement, butterflies, and big feelings. With a little planning and a lot of empathy, we can make this transition smooth, joyful, and confidence-boosting. Here’s how we can make it easier, calmer, and even a little fun — for kids and grown-ups alike.

For Parents & Caregivers: Nurturing Confidence at Home

1. Separation Anxiety

Example: 4-year-old Anna cries and clings to her mother at drop-off, refusing to enter the classroom.

What’s happening: Children feel scared to be apart from the comfort and security of their home and caregiver. For kids who are staying away from parents/ caregivers for the first time ever, this might also be the time they are experiencing separation anxiety in a big way.

Suggestions:

• Start small separations a month before school begins — leave the child with a trusted adult while you step out for 10–15 minutes and gradually increase the time.
• Create a goodbye ritual: A short hug + high-five + a fun phrase like “Zoom-zoom, see you soon!” makes parting predictable and reassuring.
• Watch videos like “Moon’s First Day of School” where Moon is feeling nervous about starting school. What if no one talks to her, she doesn’t fit in, or worse, she doesn’t make any friends or messes up? But with a little encouragement from her mom, some new friends, and her own quiet courage, Moon takes the brave leap and discovers friendship, kindness, and confidence waiting for her. Watch as she faces her fears, makes lasting friendships, and learns that it’s okay to feel nervous as long as you stay true to yourself.

2. First Day Jitters at a New School

Example: 6-year-old Aaryan moved cities and is worried he won’t have anyone to play with during recess.

What’s happening: Kids fear unfamiliar faces, routines, and environments.

Suggestions:

• Reassure with similarities: “There will be blocks, swings, stories — just like your old school!”
• Visit the school ahead of time and explore key areas: classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, and play area.
• Prepare simple phrases they can use:
  • “Hi, can I play with you?”
  • “Where do we keep our bags?”
  • “I’m new. What’s your name?”

3. Older Kids Changing Schools

Example: 10-year-old Zoya feels self-conscious about joining mid-year and worries about finding her place in established social groups.

What’s happening: Older children may further struggle with identity, self-esteem, or peer pressure.

Suggestions:

• Validate feelings: Instead of “You’ll be fine,” try “It’s okay to feel nervous when things change.”
• Let them choose their backpack or stationery — small decisions offer control and excitement.
• Encourage participation in clubs, music, or sports — shared interests often break social barriers.

4. Logistics, Routines & Predictability

Suggestions:

• Use a visual schedule chart : pictures for waking up, brushing, eating breakfast, and getting dressed.
• Make a checklist together and build confidence step by step. The little things make a big difference. Your mini checklist could include:
  • Backpack & supplies
  • Who to ask for help at school
  • How to say ‘I need a break’
• Pack the school bag and lunchbox together the night before. Further, add a surprise sticky note: “You’ve got this!”
• Start small conversations — about feelings, new routines, what to expect at school, and even bathroom breaks.
• Set school night bedtimes 30 minutes earlier a week in advance.
• Use consistent routines every morning — children thrive on predictability.
• In addition, encourage gentle dialogue: “What do you think your teacher will read today?”
• Reinforce simple goodbyes without making the child feel like they’re being “left”.

For Teachers: First Impressions Matter

1. Create a Warm Welcome

Example: Ms. Tan places a colorful name badge on each desk, with a cheerful “Welcome [Name]!” card.

Suggestions:

• Greet each child by their name at the door — a simple “Hello, Anna! I’m so glad you’re here!” sets the tone.
• Use visual cues like a feelings board (😊 😟 😡 😴) to let kids express emotions nonverbally.
• Offer a quiet corner with sensory toys or books for overwhelmed kids to retreat safely.

2. Support the “New Kid” Experience

Example: When new student Krish joins, the teacher pairs him with a “buddy” who guides him to class, shares school rules, and sits with him during lunch.

Suggestions:

• Announce: “We have a new friend joining us! Let’s make them feel welcome with a smile.”
• Designate a welcome helper or “classroom buddy” for a few weeks, or for one week to start with.
• Ask all children to draw self-portraits and share something about themselves — it invites connection.

3. Keep Parents in the Loop

Suggestions:

• Share a first-day photo or update through a school app or email. Example Message: “Hi Mrs. Sharma, Aarya had a lovely first day! She participated in circle time and shared a story about her favorite book.”
• Let parents know how to help at home — e.g., encourage early bedtime, share what songs/stories were used in class.

For Kids: Parents, Caregivers – Please Share These With Them

“What if I’m nervous?”

That’s okay! Even brave superheroes feel nervous before new things. You can:

• Take 3 deep breaths whenever you feel nervous or worried. You could even talk to your teacher.
• Look for a kind face and say “Hi!” – Watch this story with them to show how Moon handled her first day at school bravely, even though she was nervous.
• Remember, your grown-up will be back soon.
• Practice how to ask for toilet or water breaks.

“What should I take to school?”

• Water bottle, lunch, your favorite smile!
• Backpack with all the books and supplies for the day.
• Maybe a tiny sticker from your parent inside your lunchbox for extra courage.
• A comfort toy, if it is allowed.

“Your Mission of the Day”

• Say hello to one new friend.
• Try one new thing in class — painting, puzzles, playdough – depending on what teacher offers.
• Tell your grown-up everything about your day at school every day!

Preparation Activities for Home or Classroom

Activity	Who It’s For	What It Teaches

Read-aloud time with school stories

Parents + Kids

Familiarizes them with classroom settings

Role-play drop-off + pick-up at a friend’s or grandparent’s place

Parents + Kids

Prepares them for real-world transitions

Pack together + label items

Kids + Parents

Builds responsibility and ownership

Draw “My Feelings Flower”

Teachers

Helps children express school emotions

“Get to Know Me” activities

Teachers

Breaks the ice with fun facts

Supporting Children with Special Needs

As we prepare for the first day of school, it’s important to remember that not all children experience transitions in the same way. Children with physical, developmental, or learning differences may need extra preparation and support — but with small thoughtful steps, we can make their start just as joyful and empowering.

For Parents & Caregivers:

• Use visual schedules or social stories to walk through what school will look like.
• Visit the school early — show key places like the classroom, bathroom, or playground during quiet hours.
• Pack comfort items: fidget toys, communication cards, or noise-canceling headphones, as maybe required.

Example: Riya, who uses a wheelchair, practiced her school routine a week in advance — from entering the building to finding her desk — which helped her feel confident and in control.

For Teachers:

• Use visual cues, predictable routines, and flexible seating to make classrooms more inclusive.
• Assign peer buddies for new students who need help navigating routines or social situations.
• Collaborate with families to understand a child’s specific support needs — communication style, calming tools, or sensory triggers.

Example: When Kabir, who has autism, joined mid-year, his teacher created a quiet corner with soft toys and visual emotion cards — giving him space to settle during overwhelming moments.

For the Child:

• You are welcome, just as you are. You can bring your comfort toy (if allowed), take a break when needed, and learn in your own special way. Your classroom is a place where everyone belongs.
• It is also important for other kids in the class to know this. To grow empathy, get them to watch stories about celebrating diversity, belonging, and inclusion.

Real Parent/ Teacher Voices

“We stuck to a 5-minute goodbye rule. It was hard at first, but by Day 3, my son walked in without tears!” – Priya, Singapore
“Giving our daughter a tiny paper heart in her lunchbox every day helped her feel connected to us.” – John & Aarti, Bangalore
“My student who cried the first week now rushes in each morning to be first at the coloring station.” – Ms. Nurul, Kindergarten Teacher

Final Thoughts: The Power of Small Things

A child’s first day — whether starting school for the first time or beginning again — can shape how they see learning, friendships, and self-confidence. And it doesn’t take grand gestures to help.

💛 A well prepared child and parent.
🧡 A simple sweet goodbye and a note in the lunchbox.
💚 A welcoming smile from a new classmate.
💙 A teacher who notices, kneels down, and says, “It’s okay, you’re safe here.”

Together, these small acts build big courage.

Happy back-to-school season everyone!