Ways to Prepare for Starting a New School
Starting at a new school can be daunting, especially if you don’t know anyone. Preparing ahead of time will make the transition to your new class much smoother and more enjoyable, as well as help you to get off to a good start with your classmates and teachers.
Here are some ways you can prepare ahead of time so that starting your new school doesn’t seem like such a big deal when it happens!
1) Start learning about your new classes in advance
If you want to start a new school, one of the best things you can do is start learning about your new classes ahead of time.
This way, when you are in class, it will feel like less of an adjustment and more like you’re catching up with old friends.
Try using online resources such as edX or Coursera and watch some videos that are similar to what your teachers will be teaching in the classroom.
Join clubs related to your interests, make friends with people who share the same goals as you, and get involved in other extracurricular activities on campus.
Check out how much your tuition will be before deciding whether or not this college is right for you because knowing this upfront might help make the decision easier.
2) Start getting in shape
Getting in shape can be difficult at the best of times, but even more so if you’re trying to start new school. However, it’s not impossible and there are plenty of ways that you can get into shape before the big day.
Here are also ways that you can start getting in skin now.
✓Join a sport or other group activity- You’ll have the chance to socialize with others who share your interests while getting exercise.
✓Walk- It doesn’t matter where you walk, just as long as you do it often.
✓ Take public transportation- If you don’t live close enough to your school then this might be your best option, plus taking public transport will also get you out of sitting down all day!
3) Learn everything about the culture of your new school
The culture of your new school is very important and can affect your experience. To prepare, visit the school website and find out more about the culture.
What are their values? Is there an expectation for students to be involved in clubs or other extracurriculars?
Knowing these things ahead of time will help you better adjust to your new environment.
Find out what classes they offer as well as what their grade structure is like.
There may also be some standardized tests that you’ll have to take at some point if it’s required by your district.
4) Research after-school activities
After-school activities are an excellent way to keep kids engaged, both academically and socially.
These activities often provide opportunities to make new friends, which is especially important during the transition from elementary school to middle school.
A wide range of after-school programs are available in most communities, including sports teams, robotics clubs, and foreign language classes.
Parents can find more information about these offerings on their school district’s website or by asking their child’s teacher.
For parents, Join your child’s PTA:
Parents can be vital partners in supporting their children and their schools through membership on the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
There may also be other parent organizations at the school such as PTSA (Parents Teachers Student Association) that offer assistance with fundraising events, volunteering at fairs or carnivals, or hosting movie nights or book clubs.
5) Plan on staying late on the first day
Being prepared on the first day will make you seem more confident and in control. It also means that you don’t have to worry about forgetting something important, which will help keep your stress levels low.
6) Gather supplies before the first day
✓ Make copies of your syllabus and any important documents
✓ Get new school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, paper)
✓ Find the best place to print off your syllabus and other documents
✓Research what you’ll need for the first day of class (pens, handouts)
✓ Know who your students are by researching their demographics and interests before the first day
✓ Set up an account on Facebook so you can chat with your students on there
✓ Check in with parents/guardians at least once during the first week of school to make sure they have all the information they need about your classroom
✓ Designate a space in the classroom as The Buddy Area where children can come to socialize with peers
7) Talk with your parents
It’s important to talk with your parents about how much time you’ll need to devote yourself to this new project.
As much as you may want to, it’s not possible for you to take on the responsibility of starting a school without having help from other people.
If your parents are willing and able, they can provide the support you need in order for this new school idea of yours become successful.
And even if they’re unable or unwilling to offer their assistance, there are plenty of people who would love to volunteer their time and energy.
Whether it’s creating lesson plans or organizing events, everyone has something that they could contribute which will make your school a success.
8) Clean out your locker before break
On the last day of school before break, take some time out to clean out your locker. It can be hard to find time during the semester, so this is your chance.
You never know what you might find in there: old lunch or forgotten items from last year.
The best way to make this task easier is by figuring out what you want to keep and what can go ahead of the break.
If you need help deciding, ask yourself questions like Do I use it? Do I still wear it? Does it still fit me?
By preparing now, you will not have to stress about finding things at the end of break.
9) Get settled into your room before school starts
Before you start your first day at your new school, it’s important to get settled into your room.
You’ll need to make sure that you have everything that you need, like books and supplies.
It also might be helpful if you make friends with the person who lives next door. They can give you tips about where to eat lunch and what clubs are going on after school.
Make sure you’re in bed by a reasonable time so that when you wake up in the morning, you’ll feel refreshed.