First Grade Blues....

Sadly, if she is nervous, she is going to be nervous. You can try talking about it, but I wouldnt necessarily do it directly, or she will avoid it. Over the next few days, as you are doing things, just say things like, "wow, I cant wait to find out how many new friends you will meet", and "I bet you will learn a lot of exciting things at school". Also, with the "big kid" responsibility of 1st grade, give her a new "big kid" perk, like 15 minute later bedtime, or an extra story, or something that she will like. Also, telling her that she isnt the only nervous one might help. I tell my son repeatedly that ALL the kids are nervous, no matter how popular, or friendly, or excited you are about school, it is a new grade and a new teacher for all of them. Sometimes it helps if they know they arent alone in how they feel. Hope this helps.

Can you arrange to take your daughter to her new school before classes begin and show her around, perhaps meet her new teacher? Part of her anxiety is the fear of the unknown (a fear that everyone has to some degree). Kids in particular thrive on the familiar and routine. Visiting the new school and meeting her teacher will help ease her fears without the added pressure of the kids' presence making her feel like the "new" girl. Keep in mind that kids are much more adaptable to their surroundings than we are, and before long your daughter will be wondering what she was so nervous about.

Good luck!

I've written about this very topic here:
http://billiediscoverytoys.blogspot.com/2009/08/school-re...
Good luck.

I think the best way you can help her is to show her that you understand and accept her feelings. I am sure you have done everything else possible: showed her the school, talked about your first grade experience, gotten her school things ready, practiced getting there etc.

If you can now say things like: I remember feeling nervous about first grade too. or I bet all the other kids in your class will be worrying as well. or I know the teacher will understand how you are feeling etc. she will know she has your support and that how she is feeling is perfectly ok.

Hi S.,
Let her know that every year, you get a new teacher. You move up, meet new teachers and have new kids in the class. Let her write letters or send emails to her old teachers, and hopefully they will reply!

You have to make the new school look like a positive experience. Build it up to make it look better than her old school. Mention about how fun it can be to make new friends and explain how to do it. Have a "get to know you" party for the kids in her class by inviting some of them over to your house. Keep in mind that she really doesn't want to loose her old friends, so get phone numbers, emails, and addresses for her to keep in contact with them. Part of the problem is "fear of the unknown." You need to reassure her that the teachers at the new school are also good teachers.

Promise to take her to visit her old school if possible. Tell her that her old teacher wants her to come by and tell them all about her new big girl school. Tell her that maybe she can draw a picture of her new teacher for her old teacher...

She is just scarred. Who will she meet? Will she make new friends? Will her teacher like her? She doesn't know what to expect and the imagination of every negative thing unknown is growing.

She should be fine but continue to encourage and support her. Keep the lines of communication open. Respect how she feels and deal with her fears. A party may help shortly after school has begun. Will she have any of her former friends going to the new school?

If it is possible to meet some of the students prior to school starting that may be helpful too. She should be fine and be alright with making new friends as long as she is friendly.