Preparing for a Successful New School Year

While summer is still in full swing, the back-to-school season always seems to sneak up faster than we expect. For children, especially those with communication, social, or behavioural challenges, a new school year can bring both excitement and uncertainty. The good news is that you can help your child feel confident, supported, and ready to take on the new routine with a little preparation.

Whether your child is starting school for the first time, transitioning to a new classroom, or returning to familiar faces, these simple strategies can ease the adjustment and set them up for success.

Ease Back into Routines

One of the biggest changes for children heading into a new school year is adjusting to earlier mornings, structured days, and regular routines. Gradually reintroducing predictable schedules in the weeks before school starts can help your child feel more settled when the big day arrives.

Start by moving bedtime and wake-up times a little earlier each week, aiming to get close to your school-year schedule by the final week of summer. You can also create a simple morning and evening routine to practice, including getting dressed, packing a bag, and choosing a bedtime story.

Our Tip: Use a visual schedule or picture chart to help your child visualize what their day will look like. This will offer reassurance and reduce anxiety about what’s coming next.

Practice Everyday Communication Skills

Daily conversations are a great way to help your child get ready for the social aspects of school. Practice greetings, asking for help, and sharing thoughts or feelings. Simple role-play games can help children learn what to say in different situations, like introducing themselves to a classmate or asking a teacher for a snack break.

Asking open-ended questions like, “What are you most excited about at school?” or “What would you like to learn this year?” can spark meaningful conversations and give you a sense of how your child is feeling about the transition.

Our Tip: Our SLPs recommend increasing your use of comments and using ‘3 comments for every 1 question’ during conversations. For instance, saying something like ‘I used to wear pink on my first day of school!’ before asking what they’ll wear helps model language and keeps things low-pressure.

Build Confidence Through Play

Play is one of the most effective ways for children to work through feelings about new experiences. Set up pretend classroom scenarios at home with dolls, action figures, or stuffed animals. Practice packing a backpack, sitting for circle time, or lining up to go outside. This playful rehearsal helps children feel more comfortable and prepared for the routines ahead.

Even small worries, like finding the bathroom or knowing who to ask for help, can feel overwhelming for young children starting school. One parent shared that her child was anxious about not knowing where the bathroom was on the first day. Practicing simple school routines at home, role-playing common situations, and creating visual supports like a basic “school map” together can go a long way in easing these fears and building confidence before the first day.

Our Tip: Our OTs often suggest walking through what might happen step-by-step, and giving your child a simple phrase they can use, like “Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?” If your school offers a visit or orientation, it’s a great chance to point out key places like the washroom, cubbies, and classroom.

As you savour the final weeks of summer, remember that a little preparation now can go a long way in creating a smoother, happier start to the new school year.

If you’d like extra support in helping your child build confidence, strengthen communication skills, or ease the transition into school routines, our Hello Speech team is here to help. Reach out to us for personalized strategies and family-friendly resources to make this back-to-school season a positive one.  We’re here to help your child feel ready and confident heading into the new school year.