The return to school marks a pivotal moment in the lives of students, but can evoke a complex range of emotions. While some eagerly anticipate the prospect of meeting friends, fresh beginnings, and new opportunities, others, particularly those with cognitive or learning differences, may experience heightened anxiety at the mere thought of it - for various reasons.
The transition from the unstructured freedom of summer to the structured school environment can pose a significant challenge. The abrupt shift in daily routines and expectations can result in a sense of overwhelm among some students. Of course it is important to recognise that not everyone will be affected in the same way, as anxiety manifests itself in various forms and originates from diverse sources.
Understanding the hidden triggers of school-related anxiety is essential as it enables us to provide targeted support and create a nurturing environment that empowers students to conquer their anxieties and approach each school year with resilience. Here are the 4 most common factors that cause distress.
The fear of being separated from familiar faces or surroundings is a very real issue. Whilst this is more common in young children and is considered a normal part of development, it can persist beyond the expected developmental age and also affect adolescents and adults. Separation anxiety, which may have temporarily subsided during the summer break, can resurface as the back-to-school period approaches. Some students may exhibit excessive worry at the thought of leaving the familiar comforts of home, their sanctuary from the world's uncertainties and safe haven, impacting their emotional well-being.
Students often harbour concerns about the unknown aspects of a new school year, such as the introduction of new teachers, classmates, subjects, or changes in school procedures. It usually falls upon the adults in a student's life to address these anxieties. Nevertheless, as educators, there’s a lot we can do to lessen their anxieties. Providing the support they need and helping them gear themselves up will make a huge difference in helping them walk through that school door with confidence.
Academic expectations and the fear of underperforming academically is another factor that could contribute to students' distress. The weight of striving for excellence in their studies or meeting specific standards can take an emotional toll. In our roles as educators, it is imperative that we provide emotional support and temper academic rigour as needed.
The corridors and classrooms of a school are not just places for learning but are also microcosms of society, reflecting societal norms. Students frequently grapple with social pressures tied to forging new friendships, fitting in, and navigating the complexities of social dynamics. These external pressures can intensify feelings of isolation or exclusion, compounding their distress.
Whilst there’s no way of knowing how students will respond to our efforts, building connections in advance and fostering a sense of familiarity beforehand will increase their comfort and confidence. The mere fact that we are empathising with their needs will significantly contribute to building positive relationships.This empathetic approach is also likely to resonate with parents, reinforcing our commitment to their children's well-being and success.
Let them get to know you: Establishing a personal connection with students can humanise the teacher-student relationship. Share your interests and hobbies to show that you're not just an educator but also a relatable individual. Discuss your favourite things, share fun classroom activities and any interesting aspects of your life which you think could be beneficial for them to know about.
Discover their Interests: Take the time to understand your students' interests. Use this information to enhance classroom engagement and participation. By incorporating their passions into lessons, you create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
Share school timetables & extracurricular schedules before school starts: Offering students a glimpse into their school schedules and extracurricular activities can alleviate anxiety. Knowing what to expect empowers them to confidently navigate the school environment, interact with peers, and manage their day effectively.
Familiarise them with the Classroom: After setting up your classroom, consider creating a video tour to acquaint students with their learning environment. Start from just outside the school building to provide directions to the classroom and include key areas they'll be using. Explain the purpose of these areas and introduce them to the individuals who will be available to assist them when needed.
Share 'Safe Adult' Information: Particularly beneficial for new or transitioning students, sharing information about trusted adults and their availability is crucial. Ensure that students know who these individuals are and where to find them within the school. This knowledge provides reassurance and a sense of security.
We have the power to make a substantial impact on facilitating a smoother transition for students, ultimately cultivating a more positive and supportive learning environment. By directly addressing the root causes of school-related anxiety and offering personalised support, we can truly transform the way students approach each new school year, fostering a sense of readiness and confidence.
PAGS® provides solutions for Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our comprehensive 360° SEN Tool, equipped with state-of-the-art features, empowers educators with digital assessments, actionable targets, inclusive strategies, and insightful reports. With PAGS, you can effortlessly track and monitor the learners' SEN journey while streamlining SEN processes, saving you and your team valuable time. Book a no obligation meeting here to find out more.
Josianne Pisani is a teacher, teacher trainer and materials writer at ETI Malta with years of experience in teaching English as a second language to learners of all ages and abilities. She has written and runs various methodology courses including Embracing Neurodiversity - Supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the classroom. and has been training teachers from around the world for the last 10 years. For more information about the course contact us here.
The back-to-school season is a time of mixed emotions for students. In this article we explore the hidden triggers of back-to-school anxiety and provide practical strategies that help transform the way students approach each new scholastic year, fostering a sense of readiness and confidence.
Download PDFThe back-to-school season is a time of mixed emotions for students. In this article we explore the hidden triggers of back-to-school anxiety and provide practical strategies that help transform the way students approach each new scholastic year, fostering a sense of readiness and confidence.
