2024-09-06 06:24:06
Without a doubt, the first days of the school year can affect how children approach the course.
In an interview with EFEsalud, teacher and director of the Palau Girona Montessori school, Montse Juliàshows that the start of going back to school is an opportunity for growth and change, both for children and parents.
The expert refutes some beliefs and explains that the first day of school is a good developmental experience, and a special opportunity.
“It should be noted that young people start with a renewed enthusiasm and a great desire to learn. There is no need to resort to special preparations to help children adapt to the new level and start the course on the right foot,” the expert pointed out.
good trouble
The expert explains that children are more flexible to changes and adaptation processes than adults.
Therefore, adults must be prepared to live this experience calmly and confidently.
The expert emphasized that adults must know that the stress experienced by the child is positive because the challenge is appropriate for the age and takes place in a prepared environment.
We often talk about stress, stress that can be good, because it represents the experience you live and how you react to the challenges and uncertainty they imply.
These challenges question their pride and ability to manage, motivating them to use all their abilities to overcome them.
“Studies confirm that this positive stress favors, among others, the development of cognition and other executive brain functions. “When adults experience stress directly, it is a barrier to their development and presents them with suffering that the child is not yet prepared for because it shows a lack of protection on the part of their parents,” said the speaker. also showed.
Guidelines for children to have a good return to school
Trust the power of the little ones
Parents must believe that their child is capable. Children grow, mature, and overcome problems, just as their parents did throughout their lives.
The expert points out that we cannot hope to avoid all obstacles, because by doing so, we deprive them of an important opportunity for their development.
Preventing them from dealing with their own problems is actually a way of limiting their growth. The child needs to live through his challenges to learn and grow.
Furthermore, feeling that parents trust them is the best support our children can get when they face new developments.
This will help the children to activate their own mental resources to face the small challenges of returning to school and resuming the school year.
If parents develop fears and insecurities, they are affecting their own children’s self-esteem and instead of helping them, they are making the process difficult for them.
Therefore, the expert explained that passion, hope and trust are the keys to a successful innovation.
“The moments of farewell and departure should show these feelings, avoid overdoing that can upset the child, showing insecurity. The more prepared the parents are, the more prepared the children will be,” the principal pointed out.
How to instill confidence
Julia explained that Maria Montessori, doctor and educator who supports the Montessori method of education (based on attention and respect for the speed of nature of children’s learning) says that even the smallest people deserve to be recognized their dignity.
To do this, it is important to allow children to take on responsibilities and perform tasks that are at their level. However, this is not always encouraging.
When a child, from an early age, sees that he is capable of doing things on his own, without the direct supervision of an adult, even if he is in your company, self-confidence and self-assurance are developed.
“If the child knows that he can do anything in his life, he always needs the help of an adult, whether it is a parent, stepchild or grandfather, he will start to think that he is not useful at all. When parents do everything for their child, such as feeding them, brushing their teeth, picking up their shoes, or carrying them up the stairs, even though the child can do it by themselves, they are express the opinion that they cannot do it. doing it alone”, emphasizes the teaching.
The expert points out that, although parents act out of love, with the intention of making things easier, in reality, they are preventing the child from developing independence and self-esteem.
Respect the rhythm of the little ones
In addition to trust, you have to respect the city of each small child.
The adaptation process can last from a few days to six weeks.
Therefore, parents cannot be discouraged because the first days express different emotions and even conflict, because each child experiences it differently.
“It is a symptom of intelligence to be able to connect with reality and express the feelings that arouse,” said the academic.
How to respect those rhythms
The expert showed that there are two main ways: listening to the child and paying attention to him.
This is important for parents too, because if they identify too much with the child’s emotions, they can lose interest and always think that their child is having a bad time.
However, if you pay close attention, you will be able to tell if the child needs help or rather encouragement to do small tasks on his own.
Trust the work of the academic team and center
First and foremost, it is important that parents trust the school, even though it may seem like blind trust at first.
It is important that they have the confidence that, whenever they have problems or problems, they can talk to the school and follow the instructions given to them.
Teachers are prepared to accompany children in this process of returning to class or entering a new school.
Following their advice in this process will be most beneficial to facilitate adaptation.
The professor highlighted the importance of informing the teachers of any relevant change or experience that the child may have experienced during the vacation period, such as a change of residence, losses, separations, illnesses, etc.
“Experts confirm that children understand the trust that parents have in terms of school and teachers, and they advise them that discussions at home clearly show this trust,” said the expert.
How can parents prepare their children to return to school during the holidays?
The book of Montessori Palau Girona recommend trying to rearrange our schedules, making sure to regulate bedtime so that children get the rest they need.
In addition, it is important to know that we can increase the tasks and responsibilities at home, asking them to cooperate with the family.
It is important that children experience the possibility of doing things by themselves, especially in front of parents, but without their direct help, allowing them to develop their independence.
It is also important to incorporate physical exercise in simple ways, such as walking or cycling.
These activities not only benefit your health, but also help you deal with small physical challenges, such as walking a little more every day.