Easing Transition Times: Tips for Caregivers and How JCS Supports Students with Learning Differences

Transition times can be particularly challenging for students with learning differences. Whether it's moving from one activity to another, shifting from school to home, or adjusting to a new school year, these changes can be sources of stress and anxiety. At The John Crosland School, we understand these challenges and strive to provide a supportive environment that helps students navigate these transitions smoothly. Here are some tips for parents to support their children during transition times, along with insights into how we implement these strategies at our school.

1. Establish a Routine

At Home:

Consistency is key for children with learning differences. Establishing a daily routine helps create a sense of predictability and security. Try to keep wake-up times, meals, homework sessions, and bedtimes consistent. Visual schedules can be particularly helpful, allowing your child to see what their day will look like.

At The John Crosland School:

We implement structured daily routines within the classroom. Visual schedules and clear, predictable patterns help students feel more in control and reduce anxiety about what's coming next. Teachers at Crosland are trained to maintain consistency while being flexible enough to adapt to individual needs.

2. Use Transition Warnings

At Home:

Give your child warnings before a transition occurs. For example, "In 10 minutes, it will be time to start your homework," followed by a five-minute reminder. This helps prepare them mentally for the change.

At The John Crosland School:

Our teachers use similar strategies, providing students with advance notice before transitioning between activities. This approach helps students gradually shift their focus and reduces resistance to change.

3. Create a Transition Ritual

At Home:

Having a specific ritual for transitions can ease the process. This could be a simple activity like a breathing exercise, a favorite song, or a brief walk. These rituals signal to the brain that a transition is coming and can make the shift smoother.

At The John Crosland School:

We incorporate calming activities and rituals into our daily schedule. Whether it's a few minutes of mindfulness, a short movement break in the sensory space lab, or a calming story, these rituals help students adjust and prepare for the next part of their day.

4. Communicate Clearly and Positively

At Home:

Clear, concise, and positive communication is crucial. Instead of saying, "Don't be late for school," try "Let's make sure we leave on time for a great start to your day." Positive reinforcement and clear instructions can reduce anxiety and resistance.

At The John Crosland School:

Our teachers are trained in positive reinforcement techniques and effective communication strategies. We focus on building strong relationships with our students, understanding their individual needs, and communicating in ways that foster trust and cooperation.

How The John Crosland School Supports Transitions

At JCS, we go beyond these strategies to provide comprehensive support for our students. Our small class sizes allow for individualized attention, ensuring that each student's unique needs are met. We offer social skills coaching and counseling services to help students develop coping strategies for transitions and other challenges. Additionally, our collaboration with parents ensures that the support we provide at school is reinforced at home, creating a cohesive and consistent experience for our students.

We also host events like our New Family Social, which includes activities such as a scavenger hunt of important places on campus and opportunities to meet teachers. These events are designed to make transitions into our school community as seamless and welcoming as possible for both students and their families.

Transitions are a natural part of life, but they don’t have to be a source of stress. With the right strategies and support, students with learning differences can navigate these changes successfully. At The John Crosland School, we are dedicated to providing the tools and environment necessary for our students to thrive during transitions and beyond.

Finding Balance: Routine and Unstructured Time at John Crosland School

At John Crosland School, we understand that students with learning differences thrive in environments that provide both structure and flexibility. The delicate balance between routine and unstructured time is essential for their development, and we strive to create a nurturing atmosphere that caters to their unique needs.

The Power of Routine

For students with learning differences, routine is a cornerstone of their daily experience. Predictability and consistency provide a sense of security, helping them to focus and engage more effectively in their learning. At John Crosland School, we ensure that each day includes structured activities that students can rely on. This consistency is particularly beneficial for students with conditions such as ADHD, autism, and anxiety, where sudden changes can be overwhelming.

Structured Outdoor Breaks

One of the ways we integrate routine into our daily schedule is through designated outdoor breaks. Every morning, students enjoy a minimum of 15 minutes outside, allowing them to reset and recharge. This break is not just a time for physical activity; it's an opportunity for students to practice social skills, develop friendships, and engage in unstructured play. The morning break sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, helping students return to their studies with renewed focus and energy.

Take one of our fifth-graders who once said, “I love our morning break! It’s like hitting the refresh button on my brain. Plus, where else can you have a serious discussion about dinosaurs while swinging as high as you can?”

Lunch and Recess: A Time for Growth

Our commitment to balancing structure with freedom is further exemplified in our lunch and recess periods. Each day includes a 45-minute lunch/recess that incorporates outdoor time. This extended break provides ample opportunity for students to explore their interests, collaborate with peers, and simply enjoy the freedom of play. For many students, this unstructured time is when they experience the most significant growth, as they navigate social interactions and develop problem-solving skills in a natural, less structured environment.

A parent of one of our students shared, “I used to worry about how my child would handle unstructured time. The unknown is scary. But now I see how he’s learned to make friends and solve problems on his own. He even started a 'Recess Detective Club' with his friends to solve playground mysteries!”

The Beauty of Unstructured Time

While routine is crucial, we also recognize the immense value of unstructured time. This is when creativity flourishes, and students learn to manage their own activities and make choices independently. Unstructured time allows students to explore new interests, develop hobbies, and build resilience. It’s during these moments that they often discover their passions and talents, which might not always be evident in a structured classroom setting.

A Balanced Approach

The balance between routine and unstructured time is not just beneficial but necessary for the development of students with learning differences. It can certainly be a tricky line to walk because they seem like opposing forces and it does not always happen seamlessly. However, we've found that this balance is not only achievable but essential.

So next time you see our students outside, remember—they’re not just playing. They’re learning life skills, solving mysteries, and discussing dinosaurs. And that’s a balance worth celebrating.