Transition to year 1

[Crochetcrochetcrochet]

I'm hoping someone can help please, we're only in week 2, but the move to Year 1 isn't going well. At all.

DS1 is not long 5 (we considered deferring last year but decided against it in the end) and is a fairly young 5. Nursery and Reception took a long time to settle to - more emotionally than academically. But, ultimately he did so maybe I just need to be patient.

He's not enjoying year one at all - we've had tears over the lack of choosing time and he's been told off a couple of times for still expecting the free flow approach of reception and changing activity himself.

We've talked about listening and obeying his teacher and how in year one there's less choosing time because of all the exciting new things like science. But we're having tears and tantrums at home.

This morning he saw his Reception teacher and just lost it. He was in floods of tears asking to go back to Reception.

I just don't know how to help him settle more than I am. I'm incredibly positive, making sure he's getting plenty of rest and free play at home.

He's really off his food which probably isn't helping but he says he's just not hungry so I'm not pushing it.

I know he needs to be there, I know I need to support his transition and we did lots of the prep the school suggested over the summer. But I just feel like my happy little boy is withdrawing and I worry about that.

Any suggestions or just a handhold are welcome!

We are in a similar situation. It's very hard to see them like this. It is such a huge change from reception to Y1 and in my view should be done a bit slower and a bit more with the children in mind. In other countries kids don't start formal schooling until age 6 or 7, why the rush here, I don't know. I don't have much advice I'm afraid, but just wanted to share you are not alone in this.

My kid just moved to juniors and there is a line of a fair few year 3s at the year 2 classroom door each morning to give their previous teacher a hug and a hello and wanting to be back in there! Some kids just do struggle to adjust a bit... and some (like mine) struggle to adjust every blooming year!

Both of mine are absolutely exhausted and grumpy though - that part is just new school year tiredness getting back into things - even my very happy natured younger one who is absolutely delighted with her new class and teacher.

My DD is a June baby and is also struggling with the lack of play. She is also v v tired so I’m just giving her a few weeks to settle. A lot of her class are 8 mo the older than her and its starting to show.
She has always loved nursery and loved reception so it feels sad when she doesn’t want to go to school but I think she will adapt.

My DS is exhausted and very emotional too. I think it’s a really big change from reception to Year 1.

DD is year 6, she has struggled with transition every year, by the ed of week 3 she is fine, some kids just really struggle with change.

Reception to year 1 is a huge change and lots of children are tearful, just be there to listen and reassure him.