Advice from teachers please - DD really worried about moving to Y1 - How can I prepare her?

[mummytomyprincess]

DD started in Jan and loves Reception. She was told yesterday that in Sept she will move to a new classroom and start Y1.

This morning she said was worried about this and I could see in her face that she was bothered. I asked why and she said she likes her classroom, teacher and the outdoor playarea attached to the room.

I explained that thsi is what happens at school and as she gets older she will become bored with the toys and its best to move to a more interesting classroom etc..

Im sure they will do visits and will be told more but have said if she is still a little worried perhaps we could go speak to the teacher one morning or afterschool.

Is there anything else I should be saying to her or doing perhaps?

They all worry - it's huge to them...! If she continues to be really anxious maybe talk to her teacher about it, so they know to help her with it. Most schools start talking about now to the class to prepare them. Most too send them up for an hour or so to the new class to spend time with the new teacher before the end of term. I remember DS last year being in a right old panic, but bounced out at the end of the day so excited about moving up. The new teacher played loads of games with them and dished out stickers. They all couldn't wait to move up after that.

my DS worried too - it's the unknown I guess (he is much more blase about move to Year 2).

He was reassured by an older child (then in Y2) who'd told him what fun she'd had in Year 1 and that his Year 1 teacher was really nice and gave out lots of sweets (this never materialised but did give him positive vibes!). Is there an older child your DD could talk to?

Other than that , the school should be good about organising visits, letting them meet their new teacher etc.

yes there is a couple will give that a go

Do talk to the new teacher if she continues to be stressed, they maybe able to give her more support in the transition. Do also ask (calmly, and not like an interrogation) what makes her worried, as there could be something specific (like not realizing all her friends are moving up to).
You could also could talk to her about the changes she's had in the past, and how much she's grown up this year.

She will presumably be spending an afternoon or 2 in her new classroom before she moves up in september.They'll do fun activities!

DS1 started crying when Yr1 was mentioned............ until he was reassured the the whole class was going

Had a meet with teacher and all ok now!