Elevating Early Childhood by Vanessa Levin

August 05, 2024 Easing Separation Anxiety on the First Day of Preschool

Hey teachers! Let me ask you a question, do you have “schoolmares” – or nightmares about the first day of school, long before the first day?

It's only natural, because facing the unknown can be scary, it’s only natural.

And each new school year brings many unknowns for both teachers and our little learners.

Welcome to another episode of "Elevating Early Childhood!"

I'm your host, Vanessa, and today we're tackling a topic that many of us face at the start of every school year: separation anxiety.

Yes, that moment when the parents or caregivers leave and the tears start flowing. We've all been there, right?

In today's episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I'm sharing my top 3 tips to help teachers (and families) ease separation anxiety.

Trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to face the first day of school with confidence!

Before we can talk about it, let's define exactly what the term "Separation Anxiety" means so we're all on the same page.

You see, young children can become very fearful when they experience a new environment for the first time.

And when you add that they may be separated from their families for the very first time into the mix, it adds to those feelings of being fearful and anxious.

So, the definition of separation anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being apart from family members or caregivers is called separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a natural and normal response for young children.

It's their way of saying, "Hey, I'm not so sure about this new place without my family members."

So, how can we, as teachers, help ease this anxiety and make the transition smoother for everyone involved?

Here are my top three tips.

Tip #1: Help Guide Parents

One of the best ways to help our little learners feel less anxious is to help guide their caregivers' behavior.

Because some parents and caregivers might feel just as anxious about leaving their child as the child does about being left.

And this anxiety can be contagious! So, it's crucial for families to talk with their children about how school is a fun and safe place.

My favorite, and most effective way happens before the school year even starts, by hosting a Parent Orientation/ Meet the Teacher/ Back to School type of event.

You can use this time to teach parents how to talk positively about school.

Share examples of phrases they can use when talking with their children, like, "You're going to have so much fun at school today!" or "I can't wait to hear about all the new things you learn!"

Encouraging parents to stay calm and positive can help set the tone for their child's first of school.

One way to help parents feel more calm is to have all their burning questions about you (the teacher) and school answered.

For some parents, this may be their first experience sending a child off to school.

One way you can do that is by having all the answers to their questions ready to go on a single sheet of paper (or digitally if you prefer).

Of course, your smiling face and welcoming demeanor during the event will go a long way in ensuring parents feel comfortable leaving their child with you.

You're also going to want to remind caregivers to keep their goodbyes short and sweet.

A quick hug, a big smile, and a confident, "I'll see you soon!" can make a world of difference.

The longer they linger, the more anxious the child might become.

Remember, it's all about confidence and positivity!

Tip #2: Create a Visual Daily Schedule

My next tip is all about consistency and routine.

Young children, especially those who are three to five years of age, crave predictability.

And one of the very best ways to provide this is by creating a daily schedule with visual picture cues.

A visual schedule helps children understand what to expect throughout the day.

When they can see the sequence of events, it reduces uncertainty and helps them feel more calm and secure.

For instance, having pictures that show activities like circle time, snack time, center time, can be very reassuring.

When a child is feeling anxious, gently guide them to the schedule and talk them through it.

Say something like, "Right now, we're having circle time. Next, we'll go to the playground, and then it'll be snack time. See? We'll have lots of fun, and before you know it, it'll be time to go home!" This way, they can see the structure of their day and know that the time apart from their caregivers is only temporary.

Tip 3: Create a Calm and Welcoming Classroom Environment

Finally, let's talk about the classroom environment.

Creating a calm and welcoming space is key to easing a child's separation anxiety.

Start your day with consistent routines and rituals that help children feel safe and secure.

One simple yet powerful ritual is greeting each child at the door with a choice, such as the way they would like to be greeted. Simple things like a smile, a high-five, or a handshake can be helpful.

This personal connection can make them feel valued and ready to start their day.

Inside the classroom, your environment is going to be inviting and child-friendly.

Soft lighting, a cozy reading area, soothing natural colors, and familiar items like a family photo can all contribute to a sense of comfort.

After the children enter the room, invite them to find their name cards (with photos) and place them in a pocket chart to show that they are "here" at school.

This small task gives them a sense of ownership and belonging.

You could also sing a welcome song to bring everyone together and set a positive tone for the day.

And let's not forget the end of the day, closure is just as important as the beginning of the day.

Providing closure with a good-bye song or ritual can help children feel a sense of completion and look forward to coming back.

"See Ya Later Alligator" is always a hit!

So there you have it — three tips to ease separation anxiety for your preschoolers on the first day of school.

Remember to guide parent behavior, create a visual daily schedule, and foster a calm and caring classroom environment.

These strategies can make a huge difference in helping your little learners feel more secure and excited about school.

If you liked this episode, or any of my others, please consider subscribing, commenting, and smashing that thumbs up button.

Let's support each other in making the first day of school a positive and joyful experience for everyone involved.

Until next time,

I'm Vanessa Levin