Hi, the bittersweet milestone of your little one’s first foray into the world of school is finally here!
And it’s natural for your heart to feel pride and maybe just a touch of anxiety as you wave goodbye. Rest assured, those first few days are a significant adjustment for you and your child.
But you can make the transition smoother with a bit of preparation and a lot of love.
CAN YOU PROVIDE A FEW SETTLING-IN TIPS FOR PARENTS – WHOSE LOVED ONES ARE FINALLY JOINING SCHOOL?
Let’s dive into some settling-in tips to ease worries:
Before the Big Day:
- Talk it Up (Positively!): Start talking about school a few weeks in advance. Describe it as a fun place where they’ll meet new friends, play with exciting toys, and learn interesting things. Keep your tone upbeat and enthusiastic.
- Familiarize the Familiar: If possible, visit the school beforehand. Walk around the building, peek into the classrooms or some of the activities/learning spaces and let your child get a feel for the environment. Even seeing the playground can build excitement.
- Read All About It together: Many excellent picture books about starting school exist. Reading these together can help your child understand what to expect and normalize any feelings they might have.
- Practice the Routine: Practice the morning routine a few days before school begins. This includes waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing their bag. This will help avoid a rushed and stressful start on the actual day. Maybe a day earlier – just drive past the school with your child – point it out again – and build some excitement … ye 😊
- Pack with Purpose: Involve your child in packing their bag. Let them choose their favourite water bottle or a special small toy or comfort item (if allowed by the school policy) to bring with them.
- Connect with the School: Attend any orientation programs or meet-and-greets the school organizes…this may or may not happen on your first day ,,, but it is usually done within a few days … as per the school’s routine/calendar. This gives you and your child a chance to meet the teachers and, if it’s a bigger joining event…possibly other families.
On the First Day (and the Few After):
- The Goodbye Ritual: Create a short and sweet goodbye ritual. A special hug, a high-five, or a secret handshake can provide comfort and closure. Avoid lingering for too long, as this can sometimes increase anxiety.
- Trust the Teachers – They’ve Got This! You’ve carefully chosen this school for your child, and with that decision comes a crucial element: TRUST. Trust the dedicated and experienced educators and staff. They are highly skilled & experienced in helping young children navigate these first steps into the school environment.
- Resist the Urge to Helicopter: Feeling anxious and wanting to check in constantly is entirely understandable. However, frequent calls and check-ins can inadvertently signal your child that you’re not entirely confident in their ability to cope or the school’s ability to care for them. Give your child & the school the space to build their resilience and independence.
- It’s okay to Feel Anxious (For Both of You): Seeing your child upset or anxious can be tough. Remember that a few tears or a worried expression during drop-off is often a regular adjustment process. The teachers are trained to comfort and engage them once you’ve said your goodbyes. They are the experts in guiding children through these emotions. Chill!
- Be Brave (Even if You Don’t Feel It!): Your child will pick up on your emotions. Try to project confidence and positivity, even if you feel a little teary-eyed. Remember, our joint goal is to strengthen our children as they are growing….and not keep them attached to you.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: When your child talks about their day, listen attentively and acknowledge their feelings, whether excitement, sadness, or frustration. Let them know it’s okay to feel all sorts of emotions.
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their bravery and accomplishments, no matter how small. Acknowledge their efforts in trying new things and making new friends. Acknowledge and maybe celebrate your bravery, too…we know it can be tricky for many parents to let go….even in a school.
- Consistency is Key: Try to maintain a consistent routine at home, especially during the initial settling-in period. This provides a sense of security and predictability.
- Communicate (Appropriately) with the School: While constant check-ins aren’t encouraged, maintain open & respectful communications through designated channels and at appropriate times (like scheduled calls or emails). Trust that the school will reach out if there are significant concerns or any issues.
REMEMBER:
Every child is different, and some may take longer to adjust. Be patient supportive, and trust the process and the professionals. Those first few days are just the beginning of an exciting journey of learning and growth for your little one. You’ve got this, and so do they!
And lastly – please do NOT compare your child with other children already looking more settled in the school – they all have their settling-in trajectories – all of which is okay; just trust your school & staff – and do not try to repeatedly check on your child or try to intervene/micromanage – once you are on campus.
TRUST YOUR SCHOOL: YOU HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME TO CHOOSE!
Let’s start a conversation:
- WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS/EXPERIENCES ON YOUR CHILD’S SETTLING IN?
- What Should parents do to facilitate & make it an easier transition?
- Do share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile, enjoy developing your child at a good neighbourhood school, home and outdoors.
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighbourhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air, too.
Why – the Sixth Element School?
The Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and prepare them for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in the school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done to instill values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right and wrong is often discussed in its many facets. Discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community service and fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW, we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher, helps build self-esteem. Students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience by setting and achieving goals.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’ School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green, airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning and nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become successful individuals and equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes to lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low-density, impactful format.
The reason why we chose the Cambridge International curriculum is that the blend of teacher-directed as well as learner-self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – whether based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon’ activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where many outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) occur with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only two sections per class grade – and minimal children on campus allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high-quality, committed teachers – the backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the proper methods and practices. For example, our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with fit Kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches gives our school kids a great foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLLOUT IN INDIA NOW.
So, in line with some of India’s top and the best globally, we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the schoolchildren love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
