The start of classes and the change in routines - an interview with Dr. Sandra Silva

It is with great satisfaction that "The World of Education" spoke with Dr. Sandra Silva, an expert in the field of Education. Already trained in School Psychology, Dr. Silva specialized in Special Education, notably in Specific Learning Difficulties. She is trained in Practical Snoezelen Intervention Methodologies, focusing on Special Educational Needs and Dementia, and is professionally certified in Forbrain Stimulation Techniques.

In this interview, Dr. Silva shared her vast experience and knowledge with us, addressing crucial issues related to the start of classes and changes in routine within the educational context. Her ideas and guidance are of great relevance to educators, parents, and children.

Join us for this enriching and informative conversation.

Preparation before the start of classes

1. What are the main tips for parents and educators in preparing for the start of classes?

"It's important to remain calm when preparing for the return to school. Parents should use their free time during the holidays to prepare for the new year together with their children. Children should be an integral part of all decisions."

At home, they should tidy their room and prepare a dedicated study space. It's important to eliminate all distractions.

It is also important to use positive wording regarding the return to school. Parents/guardians should also make their children/students aware of all the achievements they have already made.

2. How can we help children cope with anxiety or worries associated with going back to school?

"The best way to deal with anxiety is to talk to your child, listening to their fears and anxieties, and not dismissing them."

It's important to normalize fear, to focus on solutions and not on problems.

Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways (irritability; sleep disturbances; loss of appetite; lack of concentration; decreased energy).

One strategy for managing anxiety is to re-establish the routines of the school season.

3. What are the most effective strategies for establishing routines before the start of classes?

"Prepare a list of tasks that your child can and should do (tidy their room and study area; prepare their clothes for the next day; set the table for meals; take care of the pet). Post the list in a visible place for the whole family. When you know the school schedule, add it to the list of activities."

Depending on their age, children should begin to train their attention and concentration skills again by doing activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles, and writing texts. It is important that they remain focused on the same activity for as long as possible.

It is also important to resume/regularize sleep schedules.

Welcoming and integration at school

1. How can social educators help in welcoming and integrating students into the school environment?

"The social educators welcome the students and monitor their integration process, answering all their questions."

The social educator should be a point of reference for newcomers.

The first contact with the school can be made by the social educator (in my case it is), through a guided tour of the school premises.

On the other hand, the social educator assists students in developing their study schedule and in acquiring study methods and techniques.

2. What are some strategies for creating a welcoming and safe environment for children at the start of the school year?

"At home, parents/guardians should not instill negative views about school in their children, while at the same time viewing this process as normal and peaceful. If parents are anxious, they will transmit that anxiety to their children."

It is important that in the first few days of school, children are informed about who will be taking them to and picking them up from school.

If children have to use public transport, it is advisable for parents to take a trip with their children so that they understand how it works.

"The presence of parents in this early stage is very important."

3. How can we address potential adaptation challenges and encourage the inclusion of all students?

"Proximity. It's important to be close to the student who is having difficulties integrating."

Changing routines and time management

1. What are some tips to help children adjust to new school routines?

"It's important to set a schedule for studying and extracurricular activities."

From the very beginning, students should be motivated to study effectively and daily.

2. How can I balance my time between school activities, extracurricular activities, and getting adequate rest?

"Students should make a weekly plan of all the activities they are involved in. The more activities they have, the greater the need to plan the week."

Good sleep hygiene should not be neglected. Students should sleep between 8 and 10 hours.

3. What strategies can be implemented to promote effective time management during the school year?

"Develop a weekly plan and follow it strictly; carefully consider the number of extracurricular activities (which should not exceed two); hold your children accountable for the commitments they make."

Students should study daily; assessment periods cannot be an excuse to miss extracurricular activities.

Communication and partnership with parents

1. What is the role of parents in managing changes to routines and adapting to the start of classes?

"Parents are responsible for the acquisition of habits of change, for this reason parents have the main role, as they are the ones who must encourage their children to change, as well as ensure that they comply."

Every change is associated with an adaptation process that requires time, resilience, emotional management, and anxiety management.

2. What strategies can be adopted to establish good communication between the school and parents?

"In recent years, we have seen a reversal of roles in which parents want to intervene in the dynamics of the school, blaming it for the academic and social failure of their children."

It is important to establish the limits of intervention for both parents and the school.

For good communication to exist between these parties, it is necessary for each to do their part in the interest of the student's success.

The communication channels between the school and the family (office hours of the school principals; the Student and Family Support Office) should be used by the parents/guardians.

3. How can parents be involved in the process of monitoring and supporting their children during the school year?

"Parents are an integral part of the teaching and learning process. It is up to parents to monitor their children's studies. Monitoring does not mean doing things for them. Children need to be responsible for fulfilling their duties."

Parents should create healthy environments so that the child can study. If the student lives in an environment where there are constant arguments, he or she will not be available to fulfill their obligations, as they will be focused/concerned with what is happening in their family environment.

"Parents should respect the family routine so that they can be a positive role model for their children during this process of change."

Conclusion

We conclude this interview with deep gratitude to Dr. Sandra Silva for her generosity in sharing her expertise and vast experience in the field of Education. Her availability and participation were invaluable, providing our readers with valuable insights into issues related to the start of classes and changes in routine.

We thank you again for your significant contribution and wish you continued success in your mission to promote inclusive and quality education for all.

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