School has begun! And with this comes a new set of challenges for you and your child! As a parent, I understand and am aware of the challenges and concerns experienced by my child and our family. During the summer our children enjoyed the fun activities, the longer days, and their flexible schedules. In our home, the whole summer was spent speaking Spanish and English at home and in the community. The routine has changed and to top that off, my son is learning Mandarin at a brand new school! There are obvious challenges and concerns to overcome for our family!
You and your children may be experiencing some anxiety in the form of fear, worry, distress, or apprehension, especially about immersion. This is a typical and common reaction to an unfamiliar situation. Unfamiliar situations your child may be experiencing are learning a new language, attending a new school, new people, and new friends. Your child is beginning to learn about life’s challenges. They will typically learn to resolve these fears incorporating some of their abilities which you are helping them master. They are relying on you for reassurance, support, and encouragement. You can facilitate your child success during the school year by doing the following:
Being accepting of your child's concerns,
Listening to your child's perceptions
Kindly correcting misinformation
Encouraging your child to approach the situation slowly
Always talk to your child about their day
Talk to the teacher
Understanding, reassurance, encouragement and support!
Tell them how special they are for learning a new language
As they become used to Global Village Academy, understand and master the daily routines, make friends, and discover that they can learn a second language, they will really enjoy this amazing experience that your are offering them.
Evelin Gomez, PhD
Board Member, Global Village Academy, Northglenn
Monday, August 29, 2011
Attending a New School
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My son has started 2nd grade Mandarin and his anxiety is off the charts. He had been going to the same school his sister went to since 5th grade and is now a sophomore. He was secure in that environment with friends, teachers, and administration. They were like family as much as I volunteered at the school.
ReplyDeleteHe talks about loosing and making us dump his friends and teachers. I assure him he will make new friends but insists no one likes him. When is an appropriate time for me to start volunteering in the school to support him? I will guess that classroom is off limits for awhile but what about hosting a party for his new friends? A little out of the classroom bonding time might boost his confidence.
Moving from school to school as a child, I understand his fears and discouragement. My parents did not support me well and we want to restore his feelings of security and family within the school.