Post #51 Back to school (again)
Are you thinking about preparing your children for going back to school?
There are more changes to plan for as schools prepare to open on 8th March. See my previous posts #43 & 44 for considerations, tips and resources.
Some key points to consider:
Dates: Find a way of visually presenting information about key dates. This may be as straight forward as writing key dates on the family calendar, whilst many youngsters will require their own personalised visual information. Obviously the date your child will return to school is important (in most cases 8th March), but another consideration is that schools close for the Easter break just 3 weeks later and reopen again 2 weeks later after Easter. This may feel like another 'start-stop-start' to your child so prepare them for this by providing them with the information they need.
Structure & routines: Getting back into the usual structure and routines of school is important. Check your child's school website for key information which may be different from what your child expects. For example, check what time school starts and ends for your child as these may be staggered to ensure the whole school do not enter and leave at the same times.
- Remind your child about key routines, for example 'getting ready for school' routine. Revisit any visual supports you may have used prior to lockdown to help your child to remember routine expectations.
- Help your child to get organised, e.g., use a visual list to pack their school bag.
- Practise wearing school uniform if this is something your child needs support with, e.g. for sensory reasons.
Communication & wellbeing: Find ways to support your child to communicate how they feel about returning to school. Some children are excited to go back, whilst others may experience anxiety and fear. There are some suggested resources in my previous post (#44), here is a lovely idea from @doodlingbeth:
Try to focus on the positives of going back to school. Remind your child of people they will see. Remind them of some of their favourite lessons and activities. Look at the school website together as there may be photos of staff, children and activities which may remind your child of their 'good feelings' at school.
Many children will be looking forward to returning to school and seeing their friends and teachers. However, some will feel increasingly anxious. Find ways to provide opportunities to talk about any worries and to offer reassurances. For example you might make a 'school worries box' - encourage your child to write down any worries and post in the box and then discuss at an appropriate time. Reminding your child of who will help them at school may be reassuring - Social Stories can be a helpful way of reminding your child who can help at school.
Whilst there is lots of talk about children 'catching up', teachers and school staff are also very aware of the impact of this pandemic upon children's wellbeing. Children will be encouraged to communicate about their experiences and feelings. However, this may be difficult for autistic children and young people. If you have concerns that your child is not able to explain their anxieties at school, do communicate with your child's teacher, or the SENDCo, to inform them of your child's worries and/or behaviours which have arisen due to anxiety.
Further information and ideas here:
Great set of resources from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Local Care Organisation & One Education: Back to school - parent pack
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This guide includes visual supports, Social Stories, emotions scales, sensory strategies and many more. |
National Autistic Society
Free course 'This short, video-based online course provides practical help and resources to help you prepare your Autistic and SEND children to go back to school when the time comes.'
schudioTv (Instructor Lynn McCann Reachout ASC)
Ambitious about Autism
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