The ‘Education of Adaptation Week’, organized by the Ministry of National Education (MEB) for pre-school and first grade students, has started. Within the scope of adaptation training activities, children are expected to get used to their school, teacher and classmates over time. Emphasizing that time should be given to the child during the school-starting period and the child's adaptation to school, experts point out that this process covers a period of approximately 1 or 1,5 months. Reminding that you should definitely not negotiate with a child who does not want to go to school, experts emphasize that some promises should be avoided. Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Child Development Department Lecturer Demet Gülaldı made important evaluations about getting through the school adaptation process in a healthy way.
“FEAR OF SCHOOL AND SCHOOL REJECTION MAY EXPERIENCE”
Stating that children who do not have adaptation problems to school are labeled as ‘adaptive children’, children who have problems are labeled as ‘non-adaptive children’, Dr. Demet Gülaldı said, “As a result of not being able to adapt to school, the child may experience fear of school and school refusal. Situations like this are common. When the time to go to school approaches in children, reactions such as restlessness, crying, internal and external aggression, irritability, headache, nausea and loss of appetite occur. At school, behaviors such as introversion, crying, not participating in activities, not wanting to enter the classroom, aggression towards peers, opposing the teacher or being excessively close can be observed. In the pre-school period, it is seen that children with adaptation problems exhibit behaviors such as not wanting to be separated from their mothers, waiting at the door or window crying all day, and trying to keep their mother with them at school.”
“ORIENTATION PROGRAMS HELP FAMILIES IN THE PROCESS OF ADAPTATION TO SCHOOL”
Stating that the process of adaptation to school is important, “In cases where there is no school adaptation and the necessary interventions are not made, the school will be phobia may occur, and the quality of life for the family and the child may deteriorate significantly. Orientation programs help families in the process of adaptation to school. Children can feel more comfortable with the opportunity to visit the school for short periods, get to know the school, school environment and friends, and be together in free activities. In order to minimize the child's anxiety, it is recommended that the first encounter with the teacher be in a comfortable and friendly environment. Most importantly, it is necessary to make sure that the child is cognitively ready for school in order for the adaptation process to be healthy,” Gülaldı added.
“DO NOT BARGAIN WITH A CHILD WHO DOESN'T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL”
Touching on the duties of parents in adapting to school, Dr. Demet Gülaldı said: “The most important factor affecting school adaptation is parental attitudes and behaviors. It is observed that if there is a democratic attitude in the family, the decisions are taken together and by explaining their reasons, there are certain rules and children grow up by taking responsibility, adapt more easily to school and new environments and form positive friendships. Since the child will have concerns about going to school and staying away from home, correct and realistic answers should be given to their questions. The child who does not want to go to school should definitely not negotiate, and promises should not be made if he goes to school. Not to use negative statements about the school and the teacher in the family should be taken care of. Sometimes, it is helpful for the parents to talk about their own positive experiences. In cases where the adaptation process is prolonged, getting professional support will facilitate the process for the child, family and school.”