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When You Get a New Student Mid-Year

classroom community making friends at a new school

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Show Notes:

Have you ever received an email from your school’s secretary letting you know that you’re getting a new student? Getting this news can sometimes cause a bit of panic as you run through the list of everything you need to do to get ready for them to join your class.

From the student’s perspective, it can be really difficult to start at a new school, especially mid-year. They’re often walking into your classroom without knowing anyone, not knowing the routines, or even how to get around the school building.

Today we’re going to talk about how to manage all of that. There are things that you can learn now so that when you get those new students, it will be easier for you to feel prepared, make the student feel comfortable, and welcome them into your classroom community.

This topic really hits home for me because I am the child of an RCMP officer. For those of you who aren’t from Canada, that stands for a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer. Our family moved every couple of years while I was growing up, so I can tell you that being the new kid at school isn’t easy. In fact, it got harder and harder as I got older because I had to continue leaving my friends behind.

Being the new student mid-year can truly be a traumatic experience. They are starting a brand new life, and that comes with making new friends, which doesn’t come naturally to a lot of kids. Here are a few practical things that you can do to help these students feel like they belong from the first day they step into your classroom:

Assign your new student a class buddy for the day.
Keep a bin of staples for anything that you create for your class such as name tags, desk plates, writing folders, mailbox labels, etc. This will make it quick and easy for you to have these ready for your new student.
Send home any newsletters and/or slide decks that you gave to parents at the beginning of the year.
Make a point to connect with your new student each day.

These are all things that I’ve learned over the years as a teacher, and were done for me when I was a new student in a new school. You can hear me go into detail about each of these tips inside this episode.

Lastly, if you haven't taken my new teacher quiz, what are you waiting for? It’s only four quick questions. After answering the questions, you’ll receive a curated podcast playlist that will help you take your next five steps wherever you are in your teaching journey. Click the image below to take the quiz now!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Strategic and simple things that you can do to help your new students feel like a part of your classroom community (with very little prep on your end!).
How your most friendly students can help welcome new students and teach them the ins and outs of your classroom in a fun way.
What a “Special Person Award” is and how you can use them to thank your students for showing kindness.
Important things to send home to your new student’s family so they know what to expect from you for the remainder of the year.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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