Navigating the Transition: Clinical Strategies for a Successful Back-to-School Season
By Nicole Clappi, M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, Director of the Genesis School
Eden II Programs
The return to school in September is an exciting new chapter for all students and families as it represents a major shift in routine, environment, and expectations. Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to a structured school day can be challenging if not managed thoughtfully. At Eden II, we don't wait for the first day of school to start planning for and/or introducing this change. By starting preparation early, we can help our students head back to the classroom feeling ready and supported. Check out the proactive strategies below for helpful tips and tricks related to this time of the year!
Proactive Strategies for Success: To support our students, the teams in our schools rely on a practical toolkit of evidence-based strategies that families can easily implement at home.
Personalized Social Stories: These short, customized narratives help students understand and navigate various situations. School staff can work directly with families to create stories that introduce new classrooms, staff, and peers. This will help familiarize students with novel situations and set clear expectations in new environments.
Helpful Hint: When building these stories, use real photographs of your child’s actual classroom, school building, or new teacher instead of generic clip art or stock photos. Seeing the exact environment they will encounter makes the story much more meaningful and relatable for our students.
Video Modeling: Video modeling is an evidence-based teaching strategy where students watch recorded videos of themselves, a peer or a staff member performing a target skill, navigating a novel environment or completing a new routine. Video modeling allows our students to preview their new surroundings, gain an understanding of rules and expectations and build predictability.
Visual Schedules: Structure and routine are essential for reducing transition stress. Creating visual schedules for morning routines, bus routines, and bedtime routines can be helpful as students adjust to more structured days.
Visual Timers: Using visual timers during summer activities helps students practice the concept of "waiting" and understanding when a preferred activity is ending. This skill can directly relate to the morning routine as bus routes are solidified and pick-up times may vary during the first weeks of school.
Gradual Adjustment of Sleep Routines: Abrupt changes to sleep and waking schedules can heavily impact emotional regulation and a child's readiness to learn. Instead of waiting for September, we suggest that parents gradually shift bedtime and wake-up time closer to school-year hours. Shifting schedules by just 10–15 minutes every few days allows children’s internal clock to adapt comfortably, and helps students be well rested for the first week of school!
We are incredibly excited to welcome our students back this September. Through individualized planning and strong family partnerships, we are looking forward to a year filled with growth and meaningful learning.
