Moving to a new school is a big change. It can bring excitement and curiosity, and it can also bring worry, sadness or a sense of loss, including the loss of a familiar building, routines, educators or friends.
These feelings can exist at the same time. A child might feel interested in what is coming next while also missing what they are leaving behind.
Transitions are not just one day. They are a process that happens before, during and after the change.
How School Staff Can Support
Schools work together to support students when they move to a new school. This may include:
sharing information between schools
planning visits or orientation opportunities
meeting as a team to talk about strengths and supports
updating plans such as accommodations or an IEP
The goal is to help students feel welcomed, supported and known.
Supportive Strategies:
Clear language can help children make sense of change.
“Some things will be new, and some things will stay the same.”
“Your favourite things don’t disappear just because school changes.”
Children can feel excited and sad at the same time. Both feelings can be true.
“It makes sense to miss your old school.”
“You can feel curious and still feel sad.”
Familiar routines can feel grounding during change.
“We’ll still do bedtime the same way.”
“Our mornings will look a lot like they do now.”
Keeping in touch with friends from a previous school can help children feel anchored during change.
“We can still see your old friends.”
“Friendships don’t end just because school changes.”
Exploring the school yard or walking around the building ahead of time can help the space feel more familiar.
“Let’s walk around and see what feels interesting.”
“We can take our time and just look.”
Some families find it helpful to use a shared journal where a child can draw or write how school is feeling, and a parent can write back. This can be a quiet way to share thoughts that may be hard to say out loud.
“You can draw or write anything you want in here.”
“I’ll read it and write back so you know I hear you.”
Families know their children best. Sharing this can help the school team support your child.
“This helps my child feel more comfortable.”
“This has worked well before.”
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