Helping Your Child Settle Into Their New Class in September

Holly Christine
Aug 31
3 min read

When I was a child, my mum created a special ritual to get us ready for a new school year. A few days before term started, she would walk my brother, my sister, and me to our primary school. It was so strange to step foot on our silent playground; usually bustling with energy, it had an empty eeriness. There was a sense of excitement and a touch of mischief too, as if we were doing something forbidden. With one sibling at a time, our mum would locate our new classroom and we would press our noses onto the the new classroom window, getting a sneak peek at what awaited us in a few days time. We'd even peek through the door into the cloakroom, searching for our peg and the little picture our teacher had chosen for us — some random object like a ladybird or a rocket.

This simple ritual helped calm our nerves and fill us with excitement for a fresh start. It gave us a sense of comfort, knowing exactly where to hang our coat and bag and what to expect on that first day.

Nowadays, with school gates and perimeter fences, that kind of sneak peek is much harder to come by. So, how can you help your child feel settled and confident in their new class? Here are some simple, practical ideas to help them—and you!

Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition

Get back into a routine early. Kids thrive on consistency. About a week before school starts, begin adjusting bedtimes, mealtimes, and morning schedules. A predictable routine helps them feel secure and prepared.
Talk positively about the new class and teacher. Share your excitement instead of your worries. Highlight the new opportunities ahead, like "You'll get to try cool science experiments!" or "You're going to learn about space this year!" Mentioning positive things about their new teacher or classroom can also make them feel more comfortable.
Encourage independence. Remind your child they are getting bigger! Have them practice managing their belongings, packing their own bag, or opening their lunchbox. Things they haven't done before but are now ready to try! These small skills build confidence and give them a sense of maturity for this new chapter.
Arrange a playdate with classmates. Meeting new friends—or reconnecting with old ones—before the first day can ease nerves and make the transition feel less daunting. A familiar face in the classroom makes all the difference.
Create a calm school-morning checklist. A simple checklist of essentials (uniform, bag, water bottle, homework) can make mornings run smoothly and give your child a sense of control. I've included one below for you to download!
Validate their feelings. If your child seems nervous, reassure them that it's completely normal to feel that way. Share a time when you were nervous about starting something new and how it eventually became easier.
Celebrate the small wins. During the first few weeks, praise their effort rather than just their achievements. Saying "You were so brave walking into class today!" builds confidence and makes the transition smoother.

Remember, settling into a new class takes time, and some children find it more challenging than others. But with a little preparation and encouragement, your child can start September feeling confident, excited, and ready for the year ahead.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Below is a morning checklist, that can help with the morning overwhelm (for your child- but also for you)