Crystal Garrant, Chief Program Officer (CPO) for Sandy Hook Promise, shares how educators and parents can help their students with difficult transitions like going back to school.
Crystal Garrant, Chief Program Officer (CPO) for Sandy Hook Promise, shares how educators and parents can help their students with difficult transitions like going back to school.
Supporting students through transitions like going back to school is a top priority – and challenge – for educators and parents. But Back-to-School season is just one example. Kids navigate all kinds of transitions throughout the year: starting a new school, shifting friend groups, moving homes, adjusting after a loss, or managing a big change in their routine.
As a mom of a 4th grader, I feel the weight of these changes firsthand. The start of the school year always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. My mind races with questions: “Will my child know what to do? Will her teachers see her brilliance and support her struggles? Will they reach out if something goes wrong?” And this year, the anxiety is heightened by starting a new school.
Reflecting on this, I’ve realized that my concerns center around relationships. We don’t yet know the teachers, the student groups, or how the school fosters social bonds and routines. But that same uncertainty shows up in many transitions, not just in August or September.
Imagine if we all focused on building strong, positive relationships as the cornerstone of every transition students face. What might be possible? What feelings of isolation could we prevent?
Research tells us that open lines of communication between parents, caregivers, and educators are essential for addressing students’ needs effectively. Family engagement directly impacts school climate and student well-being.
Here are some ideas for creating those connections to make student support a team effort—no matter the season or situation.
Supporting students in easing back into school involves building strong relationships, engaging parents and caregivers, encouraging daily reflections, and fostering developmental relationships through structured programs like Know the Signs.
Parents and teachers can ease back into back to school or other challenging transitions by focusing on these key areas:
Relationships are at the heart of a successful Back-to-School transition – particularly knowing how to find a Trusted Adult in their community. A Trusted Adult is someone who students view as a reliable and caring source of support.
Building blocks for establishing strong relationships at school, and a cohesive teacher-parent/caregiver support system may include:
While supporting students through transitions like back to school include the challenge of forming new relationships and even navigating schools for those leveling up grade bands, children face a variety of hurdles, often with what could be going on in their home life or community, including dealing with loss and tragedy. The Know the Signs programs include classroom lessons on belonging, empathy, youth agency, and identifying the warning signs of violence. These activities and next steps can help your students recognize their emotions and seek support from Trusted Adults.
By focusing on these strategies, parents and educators can help support their students through transitions and foster a supportive, connected, unified school and home environment.
Stay informed on what Sandy Hook Promise is doing to help prevent gun violence in schools, homes and communities.