Inclusive Education News by Ellaine Warner

End of Year Transitions

Around this time of the year some of our students start to ponder the end of the year and all the changes associated with that.  For some students, the unknown such as who their new teacher will be and whether their friends will be in the same class may cause them to feel worried. You might notice your child’s behaviour change over these next weeks as they try to process these worries.

As we approach the end of Term 4, class teachers and Inclusive Learning teachers prepare students for transitioning to their new year level. If you notice your child feeling worried, you might like to try the following:

• Allow your child to talk about how they are feeling
• Talk positively and “share your calm” about moving into the next year level
• Sometimes a cuddle with you and a favourite activity together can soothe worries
• Let them write a note to their new teacher about themselves – things they want their teacher to know about them.
• Reassure them that even though there will be some changes there are still lots that will stay the same. Help your child make a list of all the things that will stay the same and refer to it each time your child feels worried.