For approximately 19 million students, the school bell will ring on September 9. The orientation week for preschoolers and first graders will begin on September 2. Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun pointed out that homes today are set up like playgrounds, making it difficult for little ones to leave home, and shared some advice on what to do…
The school bell will ring on September 9 for about 19 million students in primary and secondary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MEB). Preschool and first-grade students will begin their orientation program on September 2.
The first weeks of school can be challenging for students taking a three-month break from education and those meeting school for the first time. So, what can be done to navigate this period in the healthiest way possible? We consulted Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Yeditepe University, for her insights.
HOME AS A PLAYGROUND
Coşkun highlighted that preparing children for their first school day is a process. She noted that parents should explain in simple terms what school is like and the importance of learning new skills and knowledge with their peers. "For children, the attitude parents have toward any subject is more significant than we might think. The most important example of this is school," Coşkun said. She stressed that parents should use positive language about learning, school, teachers, and friendships and avoid negative comments about school in front of their children. Prof. Dr. Coşkun offered the following suggestions for families on how to handle potential issues:
- If a child has anxieties, the cause should be identified, and necessary explanations should be provided to alleviate those fears.
- Today's homes are often set up like playgrounds for children, with parents intensely interacting with them and using tablets, TVs, and other devices to keep them entertained. As a result, children may struggle to leave this secure comfort zone and, therefore, find it hard to separate from their mothers. This situation should be accepted as natural, but to prepare the child, parents could simplify the child's room by reducing toys and limiting screen time as a preparatory measure.
- Children may also have difficulty separating from their families at the school gate. It's normal for them to cry or feel uneasy for the first few days. Parents must maintain a firm stance and show their trust in the school and the teacher to their child.
- Allow the child to visit the school a few days before, tour the classroom, and meet the teacher.
- Short, fun, and educational activities about how routines like sleeping, eating, and personal care will work at school can positively support this transition.
CHANGING HOLIDAY HABITS
Students from second grade to the final year of high school will also return to school after a three-month-long vacation. Prof. Dr. Coşkun underlined the importance of adjusting to the school routine and changing holiday habits at least a week before the end of the break. Prof Coşkun said, "It would be helpful to limit play, screen, and sleep time and adjust them according to school hours. Preparing school and transport arrangements, reviewing textbooks and materials, and not leaving everything to the last day will ease the transition back to school."
' CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, CHILDREN LIKE RULES '
Most children starting first grade spent a year in preschool. For them, the school was a place where they played and had fun with friends. Now, they will encounter a more disciplined environment. Highlighting that primary school is a more structured phase where students have responsibilities related to learning, Prof. Dr. Coşkun said, "Therefore, students should be given brief information about concepts like class time, participation, assessments, and homework. The importance of learning to read and write should be frequently emphasized both at school and at home.
Contrary to popular belief, children like rules because having a well-defined, safe space makes them feel secure. This is why it's important to explain what school and classroom rules are and why they're needed. Additionally, it would be beneficial to establish a routine for responsibilities like homework from the very first grade."