LD Resources

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Transitions can be difficult. What can parents do to help their child adjust to various academic changes? Dr. Pamela G. Krell, a clinical neuropsychologist, offers these responses to some typical transitions that children experience.

Changing from relaxing summer schedule to school schedule. Talk about upcoming changes in advance. Use visual aids–e.g., a calendar to mark off days together. Help your child anticipate school’s beginning by discussing what daily schedule changes may be experienced and the emotional impact of these changes.

Attending a new school
Visit the new school in advance, if possible. Make contact with another family in your child’s class. Invite that child over to visit or plan an outing with a family already in the school. Talk to your child about the similarities and differences between the two schools.

Was attending school half-days, now going full-time (kindergarten to elementary).
You should anticipate initial fatigue. Your child will probably need a quiet time upon returning home from school. It is wise not to plan additional after school activities during the first couple of weeks.

Change from having one teacher to multiple teachers (elementary to middle school).
Kids often find this confusing and children with organizational difficulties especially so. Getting lost, forgetting schedules, and being disoriented are common problems. Remember that this is a big adjustment for kids. Help your child get organized by talking about her school schedule; make copies and post one in the kitchen, her bedroom, her notebook, etc. Help the child orient by using easy-to-remember time cues–”before lunch” or “after gym.”

Being given more freedom and responsibility in an academic environment (middle to high school).
Adolescents vary in their capacity to handle the increased freedom of high school. Be aware of your child’s tolerance level and help provide appropriate structure–set limits. It is helpful for teens to understand what the rules are and why they are being made. Get input from your teen.

Was receiving help at home, now working with a tutor. Explain the reason for the change at a level the child can understand. All family members need to be supportive of the tutor. Integrate materials between the classroom, home, and tutor.
First time taking medication for attention problems. Parents and siblings must be supportive and regard taking medication as an appropriate response for treatment of a medical condition. Carefully explain to the child the reasons for the medication. Any fears or anxieties expressed by the child should be explored and thoroughly discussed. If the child will be taking medication at school, the teacher must be a willing and supportive participant. Answer questions from classmates thoughtfully and honestly.