Helping children adjust to a new school and environment

The beginning of the academic year is often a mix of excitement and anxiety for students, particularly those who relocate and transfer to new schools.

Transitioning to a new school can be overwhelming, but with the right support and guidance, children can navigate the process more easily.

In this article, we explore the experiences of students in Dar es Salaam and provide valuable insights from teachers, parents, and experts on how to support children during this transition.

Victoria Josephat, 10, is a student at Karume Primary School whose family recently relocated to Dar es Salaam.

Overwhelmed by the new surroundings in the city, new classmates, and even teachers, Victoria initially struggled to find her place.

"Apart from missing my old friends, I feared being alone at the new school. My fear was real because that’s exactly what happened. I am yet to make new friends. It feels so lonely here," she shares.

Like Victoria, Joash Ochieng, 10, a student at Mabibo Primary School is still struggling to fit into his new surroundings.

"I didn't know anyone here when I joined two weeks ago, and so I felt like an outsider during the first week. I am yet to settle in completely although I have already made a few friends."

Coping in a new environment is not always easy for everyone. While there are children who can easily cope in new surroundings, many people, adults included, take time to feel at home.

Teachers play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment.

Mr Musa William, a teacher at Tandale Magharibi Primary School, says he has witnessed first-hand the challenges that students face when transitioning from one school to another, especially if they have transferred from a different educational environment.

“It is not uncommon for these children to struggle with adapting to their new surroundings, which can encompass a variety of factors such as teaching methodologies, social dynamics, and the overall school atmosphere,” he says.

He notes that, as a teacher, it is imperative to provide additional support and personalised guidance to help these students bridge any knowledge gaps and become more comfortable with the new environment.

“Transferred students experience feelings of loneliness, social anxiety, or difficulty integrating into established peer groups,” says the teacher.

Ms Lightness Fortune, a teacher at Mabibo Primary School, thinks it is essential to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging empathy amongst students.

How to feel more at ease

“Incorporating activities that promote teamwork and fostering an atmosphere of support can help transferred students feel more at ease and accepted in their new surroundings,” she notes.

Ms Lightness reveals that the overall school atmosphere and culture play a significant role in a student's adaptation process.

“Each school has its own unique set of values, traditions, and behavioural expectations,” she says.

Since parents play a vital role in helping their children adapt to new schools, we sought their views on the matter.

Mr Medard Sijaona, a parent, says his children are still struggling to make new friends in their new school having relocated from an upcountry school.

“I understand that the transition to a new environment can be incredibly overwhelming. I also know it takes time for children to adjust and find their footing,” he tells me.

It’s for this matter that he’s been doing whatever he can to help his children fit in and make new friends.

The father of four says his children have been finding it difficult to navigate the social dynamics in an unfamiliar environment where everyone seems to already have established friendships and groups.

“This aspect of the new environment has left my children feeling lonely and isolated, which is greatly affecting their overall well-being and happiness,” Mr Sijaona says.

He's, however, optimistic that everything will soon get back to normal.

Supporting the children

According to experts, academic adjustment can be quite demanding.

They say it requires extra effort from the children to catch up with the material they may have missed or to get used to a new style of teaching that they are not familiar with.

To support the affected children through these struggles, it is crucial to create an open line of communication with them.

Struggling children should be encouraged to share their worries, concerns, and fears about their new environment with either teachers or parents.

Parents or teachers should be compassionate listeners, try to empathise with the children and provide guidance and reassurance.

The children and parents or teachers can brainstorm strategies to help them integrate better, such as joining extracurricular activities or clubs that match their interests, attending school events, or reaching out to teachers for extra support when needed.

Mr Mashaka Alfred, a psychologist from the University of Dodoma sheds light on the emotional challenges students face when transitioning to a new school.

Mr Mashaka explains that the unfamiliar surroundings and social dynamics can cause anxiety and stress. The added pressure to perform academically in a new environment may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, he adds.

The psychologist says it is important to understand the fact that each student adapts at their own pace and that supporting them during this gradual process is essential.

“They are driven into a completely new setting, with new people, teachers, and routines. This sudden change can disrupt their sense of familiarity and security, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress,” he shares.

He further explains that the social dynamics within a new school can be difficult for students to navigate. They may be entering a community where friendship groups are already established, making it challenging to find their place and make new connections.

“Students may face additional pressures to perform well academically in this new school, which can further exacerbate their difficulty in coping.”

The psychologist says the higher expectations and competitiveness may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and stress, making it harder for them to settle into the new educational environment.

As for adapting to a new environment, the expert says that the time it takes for students to adapt to a new school environment varies for each individual.

“Some may adjust relatively quickly, within a few weeks, while others may require several months. It depends on various factors, including personality traits, previous experiences with change, and available support systems,” he explains.

However, he says it is important to note that coping with a new school environment is a gradual process.

For most students, it takes time to establish a sense of belonging, build relationships, and adapt to academic demands. Educators, parents, and psychologists must support students during this transition period.

“Encouraging open communication, providing opportunities for social interaction, and offering guidance and assistance can go a long way in helping students cope with their new surroundings,” Mr Mashaka says.