Handling a mid-schoolyear move
The U.S. Census Bureau says roughly 35 million Americans move each year. In a perfect world, families who have to relocate will time their moves to take place before or after the school year.
Summers are often ideal opportunities for people to move because they afford families time to settle into their new homes, get a feeling for the community and prepare for the start of school.
However, circumstances may not always afford families the luxury of moving outside of the school year.
Moving in the middle of a school year can be challenging, but the following are some ways to ease such a transition.
Discuss the move openly
Call a family meeting and let kids know why and how the move is taking place. Knowing about the move well in advance can help kids prepare for leaving their current classes and friends.
Stress the connectivity of social media
Leaving friends behind if the move involves traveling to a different city, state or province may be met with resistance. Explain that social media can help kids stay connected to their friends. Texting and video chatting provide ways to stay in touch.
Research the new school
Once you know where the children will go to school, arrange for a tour of the campus, if the school has in-person learning and visits available. Be sure to ask about after-school activities, transportation and other concerns. Let the student lead the way (age-permitting) to ask his or her own questions.
Help kids make a good first impression
Smiling, eye contact and keeping arms uncrossed are simple body language strategies that can help a student present a friendly demeanor. Such body language may increase the chances kids make new friends quickly, which can make the transition that much more smooth.
Tell kids to embrace the spotlight
Unlike being a new student in the beginning of the year, when teachers are trying to find their grooves and all of the students are new to the classroom and schedule, moving mid-year helps the new student stand out a little more. Such a spotlight may compel other students to approach and offer friendship.