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6 Best Practices for Helping Students Thrive in a New School

Transitioning to a new school can be a daunting experience for students, whether it's due to a family move, a grade-level change, or any other circumstance. As educators, it's crucial to foster a welcoming and supportive environment that helps students not only adjust but thrive in their new surroundings. This article outlines six best practices for K-12 teachers supporting students in new schools, ensuring their emotional well-being and academic success.

Create a Welcoming Environment from Day One

When a student enters a new school, the initial interactions often set the tone for their experience. Teachers play a critical role in creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes students feel accepted and valued from the moment they step into the classroom.

 

  • Personal Introduction: Greet new students personally and introduce them to the class. Assign a student buddy for the first few weeks.

  • Classroom Tour: Offer a quick tour of the classroom or school facilities. Knowing key areas like the restroom, library, and cafeteria can reduce anxiety.

  • Icebreakers and Social Integration: Start with low-stakes, fun icebreakers to help the new student feel comfortable interacting with their peers. 

 

By taking these initial steps, you make students feel seen and understood, which is vital for their confidence and willingness to engage in the classroom.

Provide Clear Expectations and Structure

New students often feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar routines and expectations. Establishing clear guidelines and structure early on can reduce this uncertainty.

 

  • Classroom Rules and Norms: Go over classroom rules and procedures with the new student, even if they seem obvious to others. 

  • Homework and Grading: Review homework and grading proceedures. Offering extra support for their first few assignments can help ease the transition for academic success in new schools.

  • Visual Cues: Utilize visual aids (posters, schedules, and classroom charts), so new students can follow along even if they're not yet fully comfortable asking questions.

 

Clarity and consistency are essential for easing the stress of adjustment. A well-structured environment helps students focus on learning rather than worrying about unspoken rules.

Foster Emotional Well-Being and Address Anxiety

Starting at a new school can cause significant anxiety for students. Many experience fear of not fitting in, failing academically, or navigating an unfamiliar space. Teachers are instrumental in creating a classroom that supports emotional well-being, helping students adjust to new environments.

 

  • Check-ins: Regularly check in with the new student, especially in the early weeks. This can be as simple as asking, “How are you settling in?” or “What would you like help with today?”

  • Counseling Resources: Some students may need in-depth support. Make sure they are aware of the school’s counseling services or any peer support programs available.

  • Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness or relaxation into your classroom routine, even in brief sessions.

 

Students who feel emotionally supported are better equipped to handle the academic and social challenges that come with starting at a new school. Building a rapport and showing empathy go a long way toward reducing their stress levels.

Encourage Peer Connections and Support

One of the most challenging aspects of entering a new school is forming friendships. Teachers can facilitate positive peer interactions and help the new student build a social support network.

 

  • Assign a Peer Mentor: Pair the new student with a reliable peer who can introduce them to other students, sit with them at lunch, and help them navigate any challenges.

  • Collaborative Learning: Use group work to integrate the new student into the class. Collaborative activities naturally encourage conversation and teamwork.

 

Peer connections are a vital component of school life, and helping new students build these relationships will ease their transition and improve their overall experience.

Monitor Academic Progress and Provide Feedback

The transition to a new school can lead to temporary academic struggles as students adjust to different expectations, teaching methods, and curricula. Here’s How you can help! 

 

  • Frequent Assessments: Regularly assess the student’s understanding of new material. Provide feedback even with quick quizzes, homework checks, or even informal exit tickets.

  • Flexible Pairing: Place the new student in learning pairsthat cater to their ability cleveland fill learning gaps.

 

Monitoring their progress and providing consistent feedback is key to helping them stay on track.

Help Students Thrive

By implementing these best practices for student success, teachers can help new students not just survive but thrive in their new environment. With the right strategies in place, every student can feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed.

Written by Brooke Lektorich
Education World Contributor
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