Jana gregorio
With the start of the school year, it is important to help your child get excited and ready for their studies. For newcomer children, many things can be done to help prepare for school in Canada. Here are eight back-to-school tips for your newcomer child to help them better succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.
Communicate with Your Child in English Regularly
Students in Canadian schools speak many languages in their home environment. However, English will be the primary language of instruction for your child. If your child is not a native English speaker, helping them improve their English skills can help them be more comfortable in the school environment. Consider speaking in English a little bit each day to help them develop their ability. If you are also an English-language learner, this can help both of you improve your skills.
Help Your Child Make Friends
Friends are important when it comes to helping your child succeed in school. It is also an area where you can help your newcomer child prepare for school. Consider attending community events to help your child meet others in the neighbourhood, which can help your child begin to make friends. You can also help your child join activities or arrange a playdate with another parent of younger children. Knowing even a few classmates before the school year is a great way to make your child feel more comfortable.
Encourage Staying in Touch with Friends From Their Home Country
While meeting new friends in Canada is certainly important, encouraging your child to stay in touch with friends from their home country is an effective way to help provide some additional stability in their life and to make them feel more comfortable. Making time with their friends’ parents for phone or video calls or encouraging your child to write letters can be a good way to help them stay connected with their existing friend network while they begin to make new connections in Canada.
Read Books About Moving & Making New Friends
If you have a younger child, reading together is great practice. However, reading books about moving and making new friends is a particularly effective way to help your newcomer child prepare for school in Canada. It can help your child to prepare for the social aspects of starting a new school and can help provide them with some added confidence. It can also serve to help your child express questions or concerns that they have.
Help Your Child Stay Organized
Helping your child with their organization is a great way to make them – and you – feel well prepared for going back to school in Canada. A great way to do this is to set a nightly routine to prepare for school the next morning. Set out your child’s outfit for the next day and ensure that their backpack is organized with the books and supplies they will need for class the next day. Ensure homework is completed as well.
Meet With Important School Staff
There are many staff members at your child’s new school that are dedicated to helping them succeed. Many schools even have a dedicated settlement worker on site who can help you and your child navigate preparing for school. If your school does not have a settlement worker, you can meet with the school guidance counselor. In addition to helping answer your questions, this will give you and your child a familiar face to contact with needs once the school year begins.
Be Sure You Know the Class Schedule
Understanding your schedule is important for any student, particularly older students with many different teachers and class locations. Be sure to help your child understand where their classes are located and who their teachers are. This is an important part of the logistical phase of starting a new school year and can help ensure your child knows how to navigate the school and get to class on time.
Familiarize Yourself with School Resources
There are many things to know about the modern school environment. However, school resources are among the most important. Understand what exists in terms of tutoring and other support. Also, learn how the school communicates with parents and students. Many schools have comprehensive online software where students and parents can see schedules, contact teachers, view grades, and other things.
Final Thoughts
One of the greatest things you can do as a parent is to help your child prepare for success in their Canadian school. These eight tips are great ways to begin that process.
At Achēv, our Newcomer Services offer a wide range of services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada. Our Newcomer Information Centres are located across the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. Contact us today to register for our free newcomer services.
