Helping Your Elementary School-Aged Child Prepare for Success at School

Posted on Monday September 23 , 2024 by Strelitz International Academy
A boy is showing his drawing in IB School

Summary

Helping an elementary school-aged child succeed requires steady support at home and a strong partnership with the school. Consistent routines, reading, healthy habits, emotional support, teacher communication, and growing independence all contribute to academic and personal development.

These strategies become even more important when a child is transitioning to private school or changing schools during the academic year. Parents can support a smoother transition by visiting the school, asking specific questions, communicating with teachers, maintaining familiar home routines, and giving their child time to adjust.

Whether your family is considering an immediate mid-year change or planning for the next school year, focus on finding an environment that matches your child’s academic needs, learning style, emotional well-being, and long-term growth.

Helping Your Child Succeed During a School Transition

Helping your elementary school-aged child succeed involves creating consistent routines, supporting reading and emotional development, communicating with teachers, and encouraging age-appropriate independence. These steps are especially important when your child is transitioning to private school, changing schools mid-year, or preparing to start at a new school in the upcoming academic year. 

As a parent, helping your elementary school-aged child prepare for success at school involves more than just buying supplies and ensuring they complete their homework. It’s about creating a positive environment that fosters learning, emotional well-being, and healthy routines. Here are practical steps to help guide your child toward academic and personal success.

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Children thrive on structure. A consistent daily routine helps lower school-aged kids feel secure and focused. Set regular times for waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime. Having clear expectations for how each day unfolds reduces anxiety and creates stability, which positively impacts school performance.

2. Create a Learning-Friendly Environment at Home

Your home environment should be conducive to learning. Designate a quiet, well-lit space for schoolwork where your child can concentrate without distractions. Stock it with essential supplies like pencils, notebooks, and other materials so that they can easily access what they need to complete assignments.

3. Foster a Love for Reading

Reading is a foundation for success in all areas of education. Read with your child regularly to build strong literacy skills and ignite a love for books. Encourage them to read a wide range of materials, from storybooks to educational magazines, and provide opportunities for them to engage in conversations about what they read.

A girl is showing her writing in the IB School

4. Encourage Curiosity and Questions

Help your child develop a natural curiosity about the world by encouraging them to ask questions and explore their interests. Be patient and open to their inquiries, and find ways to connect their interests to what they are learning in school. This fosters a growth mindset and motivates them to seek knowledge beyond the classroom.

5. Support Social and Emotional Skills

Success at school isn’t just about academics; it’s also about social and emotional development. Help your child build skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. Teach them how to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with peers and teachers. These skills are essential for creating positive relationships and thriving in a school environment.

6. Communicate with Teachers

Maintaining open communication with your child’s teachers is key to their success. Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay updated on your child’s progress, and ask for feedback on how you can support their learning at home. By working together with teachers, you can address any challenges early and celebrate your child’s achievements.

7. Develop Healthy Habits

Physical health directly affects your child’s ability to concentrate and succeed at school. Make sure they get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and have time for physical activity. Encourage outdoor play, limit screen time, and emphasize the importance of self-care and rest.

8. Build Independence and Responsibility

As children grow, it’s important to help them develop independence and responsibility. Encourage your child to take ownership of their schoolwork by establishing a homework routine and allowing them to make decisions about how they organize their time. Celebrate their successes and teach them how to learn from mistakes, building resilience and self-confidence.

9. Set Realistic Expectations

While it’s important to encourage your child to do their best, setting realistic and achievable goals helps prevent stress and burnout. Focus on their individual progress rather than comparing them to others. Celebrate small victories and remind them that learning is a journey that takes time.

10. Stay Positive and Encouraging

Above all, provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. Let your child know that you are proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome. When they face challenges, remind them that struggles are part of learning and that you are there to support them every step of the way.

Transitioning to Private School

Transitioning to private school may involve new routines, academic expectations, teaching methods, classmates, and school traditions. Parents can make the adjustment easier by helping their child understand what will change and what will remain familiar.

Before the transition, schedule a school visit during a regular school day when possible. Seeing classrooms, meeting teachers, and observing students can make the new environment feel more predictable. Ask the school how it welcomes new students, communicates with families, and supports children who enter after the academic year has already begun.

You can also help your child prepare by:

  • Talking openly about what they are excited or nervous about
  • Reviewing the new daily schedule together
  • Practicing arrival, dismissal, and homework routines
  • Encouraging questions about classroom expectations
  • Giving your child time to form new friendships
  • Maintaining familiar routines at home during the transition

Avoid placing pressure on your child to adjust immediately. Some children settle in quickly, while others need several weeks to feel comfortable. Regular communication with teachers can help you distinguish between a normal adjustment period and a challenge that requires additional support.

Considering a Mid-Year School Change

Parents may consider changing schools mid-year because of a move, an academic concern, an unmet learning need, social difficulties, class size, school culture, or a desire for a different educational approach. Although changing schools during the year can feel disruptive, the right preparation can help a child transition successfully.

Begin by identifying the specific reasons for considering a change. Determine whether the concern could be resolved at the current school or whether a different environment would better meet your child’s needs. When visiting a prospective private school, ask how teachers will evaluate your child’s current progress and help bridge differences in curriculum, pacing, or classroom expectations.

Seasonal Decision Points for School Changes

The right time to explore a school change depends on your child’s needs and the admissions timeline of the schools you are considering. Families often evaluate school options at several points during the year.

  1. Fall: The first months of school may reveal whether a child is comfortable with the classroom structure, pace, social environment, and level of support. If concerns appear, speak with the teacher before assuming a school change is necessary. Document patterns and discuss possible solutions.
  2. Winter and Mid-Year: Winter can be an important decision point for families considering a mid-year transfer or planning for the following academic year. Review your child’s progress reports, teacher feedback, emotional well-being, and attitude toward school. Contact prospective schools early to ask about space, application requirements, and transition support.
  3. Spring Enrollment Season: Spring is often a key period for researching private schools, scheduling visits, submitting applications, and preparing for the next school year. Visiting while classes are in session can help families see how teachers interact with students and how learning takes place each day.
  4. Summer Preparation: Once a school decision has been made, summer offers time to establish routines, complete required paperwork, review reading recommendations, and help your child become familiar with the new campus and expectations. Keep preparation positive and manageable rather than turning the summer into an extended academic test.

Helping Your Child Prepare for an Upcoming School Transition

When a school change is planned for the next academic year, preparation can begin well before the first day. Share information gradually, answer questions honestly, and allow your child to express mixed emotions. Excitement and nervousness can exist at the same time.

Ask the new school about orientation events, summer activities, student ambassadors, classroom visits, and opportunities to meet other families. If possible, review a sample schedule or school calendar together. For younger elementary students, practicing simple tasks such as organizing a backpack, opening lunch containers, or following a morning checklist can build confidence.

As the first day approaches, emphasize that your child does not need to understand everything immediately. Encourage them to ask for help, introduce themselves to classmates, and give the new routine time to become familiar.

Key Takeaways

  • Consistent routines can help children feel secure, focused, and ready to learn.
  • Reading, curiosity, and positive communication strengthen learning beyond the classroom.
  • Social and emotional preparation is especially important during a school transition.
  • Families considering a mid-year or upcoming school change should communicate early with both the current and prospective schools.
  • A successful transition depends on finding a learning environment that supports your child academically, socially, and emotionally.

By fostering a supportive home environment, building good habits, and staying engaged with your child’s education, you’re setting the stage for them to succeed at school and beyond. Schedule a visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Keep Children Happy and Healthy With Sports and Life Skills Games

Posted on Wednesday August 28 , 2024 by Strelitz International Academy
Children celebrating while playing at IB School

As hot summer weather turns to a cooler, more colorful fall, now is the perfect time for kids to explore new activities, develop new skills, and experience the great outdoors. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children ages 8 to 10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen, and ages 11 to 14 spend an average of nine hours per day in front of a screen. Teens from 15 to 18 spend an average of seven and a half hours per day in front of a screen. 

With technology incorporated more into our everyday routines, we, as educators, parents, and adults, must help our youth maintain a lifestyle balance. The answer? Physical activity and life skills games.

Why Is Staying Active So Important?

1. To state the obvious: it’s great for the body

According to the World Health Organization, under-active people have a 20 percent to 30 percent increased health risk. Regular exercise instills good habits in children early and helps them maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also great for the immune system, lowering susceptibility to common illnesses.

2. Don’t forget the mind

Physical activity is healthy for both the body and the mind. Being active releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, helping lower symptoms of anxiety and improve self-esteem. Physical activity also stimulates cognitive functions like thinking, learning, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Kids playing games and sports enjoy better overall focus, improved academic performance, and a more positive outlook on life.

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3. Kids learn vital social skills

What life skills do sports teach? It’s pretty straightforward, actually—and it goes beyond the physical.

Sports and games provide an excellent platform for developing social skills. Through interaction with peers, children learn how to freely communicate, resolve conflicts, and work as a team. These skills are essential for building strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives.

4. What that can look like:

  • Joining a local sports team 
  • Participating in group games 
  • Attending community events 
  • Engaging in cooperative play activities 
  • Taking dance or martial arts classes 
  • Volunteering for team-based projects 
  • Organizing friendly competitions with friends 
  • Practicing communication during games 

Game On: 3 Fun Sports and Activities

1. Sports

Sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and even track and field are considered structured and have set rules and organized teams. These sports provide a disciplined environment where children can learn the value of commitment, practice, and perseverance. 

Participating in structured sports teaches kids to follow instructions, adhere to schedules, and work towards a common goal. They also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and how to handle defeat.

2. Games and activities

Unstructured play is just as important as structured sports. These activities promote a sense of freedom and exploration, encouraging children to be independent and make decisions on their own. Here are some quick tips by grade level:

Preschool Activities

  • Sandbox play
  • Water play with cups and containers
  • Nature scavenger hunt

Kindergarten Activities

  • Free drawing with chalk outside
  • Dramatic play with costumes and props
  • Building with blocks or recycled materials

Primary Activities

  • Capture the flag
  • Group treasure hunt
  • Friendship bracelets

3. Keeping kids engaged

Variety helps maintain children’s interest in physical activities. Balance organized sports with free play to keep things fresh, including activities your child loves, while introducing new ones to expand their experiences. 

You can promote social engagement for your child by arranging playdates or joining community sports groups and camps. A diverse array of options increases the likelihood that your child will remain active and enthusiastic about physical pursuits.

Involving the Whole Family

1. Family ties

Getting the whole family involved in physical activities can make exercise more enjoyable, create lasting memories, and strengthen family bonds.

2. Support systems

Create a positive and encouraging environment for your children’s physical activities. Praise their efforts, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

Remember that every child is different, and their abilities will vary. Focus more on the joy of participation rather than competition. Encouraging your child to set personal goals and celebrate their progress—no matter their skill level—will help them build confidence and a positive attitude towards being active.

Make A Move

As we have seen, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond physical health; they inspire mental well-being, social skills, and teamwork. 

By offering a mix of structured and unstructured activities involving the entire family and cultivating a supportive atmosphere, you can help your child build a healthy and active lifestyle that will serve them well into the future.

Looking for IB private schools in Virginia Beach that prioritize physical, social, and academic health? At Strelitz International Academy, we offer a world-class education that caters to each child’s holistic development, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of their growth. 

As an International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School utilizing an inquiry-based educational program, our goal is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Through inquiry-based lessons, students build critical thinking skills, nurture their curiosity, and gain the ability to solve complex problems in our Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Early Years Program.

To schedule your visit, call 757-424-4327. We are located at 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180, in Virginia Beach, on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.

Frequently Asked Questions

IB® PYP Schools in the Virginia Beach Area: What Sets Them Apart

Posted on Friday April 26 , 2024 by Strelitz International Academy
Teacher teaching the computer to students are in the IB® PYP School in Virginia Beach

Remember that wide-eyed wonder your child had when they were little? The constant stream of “why” questions, the insatiable curiosity about the world around them? As parents, we cherish those moments, knowing that natural curiosity is the spark that ignites a lifelong love of learning.

Fast forward a few years. Is that spark still burning brightly? Or has the traditional school system, with its emphasis on rote memorization and standardized tests, unintentionally dampened that flame?

If you’re looking for an IB® elementary school near you that will nurture your child’s natural curiosity and help them blossom into a confident, lifelong learner, then look no further than Strelitz International Academy, the only IB® elementary school in Virginia Beach.

As a parent, we understand that you want the best education for your child. Virginia Beach offers a wealth of choices — but when it comes to igniting a passion for learning and empowering your child to become an independent thinker and problem-solver, SIA stands out as a leader.

What truly sets us apart, though? It all boils down to our exceptional International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum. 

Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

IB® PYP program framework goes beyond traditional methods to ignite a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. It focuses on five key Approaches to Learning (ATL):

  • Thinking Skills: Critical analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making become second nature.
  • Communication Skills: Students confidently express themselves and collaborate effectively.
  • Social Skills: Building strong relationships and fostering empathy are at the core.
  • Self-Management Skills: Developing organization, time management, and a strong work ethic.
  • Research Skills: Knowing how to find, analyze, and use information effectively.

Why is this approach so powerful? 

Unlike rote memorization, inquiry-based learning allows students to take ownership of their education. They become active participants, asking questions, conducting research, and collaborating with peers. This fosters a deep understanding of concepts and a love of learning that goes far beyond the classroom.

Developing the Child Beyond Grades

At SIA, one of the only IB® PYP schools in Virginia Beach, we believe in nurturing the whole child. The IB® PYP program provides the framework to:

Promote Student Agency

Imagine a classroom where your child isn’t simply lectured to but actively participates in shaping their learning journey. This is the essence of student agency. At SIA, we encourage students to:

  • Ask questions: Curiosity is the cornerstone of learning. We create a safe space for students to ask questions, explore different ideas, and develop their own unique voices.
  • Set learning goals: Working with teachers, students set achievable learning goals relevant to their interests and aspirations. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their education.
  • Choose learning activities: Students have choices in how they approach their learning. Whether through research projects, group discussions, or creative presentations, they can explore topics that resonate with them.

Mold Lifelong Learners

The knowledge, skills, and attitudes your child acquires in elementary school will serve them for years to come. The IB® PYP program equips students from first grade through fifth grade with a strong foundation for continued success through the five Approaches to Learning (ATL) and an undying passion for learning about the world around them.

Connect Learning to the Real World

Learning shouldn’t be confined to textbooks. At SIA, we go beyond traditional subjects and incorporate globally significant themes that connect learning to real-world issues. These themes, such as who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, and how we can make a difference, encourage students to think critically about the world and develop a sense of global citizenship. We also integrate technology and cultural learning opportunities to inspire our students to celebrate diversity and thrive in a globalized world.

Cultivate Passionate Educators

Our teachers are the heart and soul of SIA and among the very best in Virginia Beach, VA, elementary schools. We understand that passionate and dedicated educators are key to unlocking a child’s full potential. That’s why we invest heavily in professional development, ensuring our teachers are:

  • Experts in the IB® PYP framework: Our teachers receive ongoing training in the IB® PYP philosophy and best practices.
  • Lifelong learners: Our faculty is committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of the latest educational research and best practices.
  • Passionate about fostering a love of learning: Our teachers are not just educators; they’re facilitators and mentors who create a stimulating and supportive learning environment where children can thrive.

Haven’t We All Dreamed of a School Like This?

Looking for a faith-based IB® elementary school near you? 

SIA is proud to be a Jewish day school, offering a warm, welcoming environment that integrates Jewish values with a world-class education.

At SIA, we believe in nurturing the whole child, fostering a love of learning, and empowering them to become well-rounded individuals. Isn’t that what we all dream of for our children?

Contact SIA today and schedule a visit to see how SIA can ignite a passion for learning in your child. Call us at 757-424-4327 or email astpierre@strelitzacademy.org for a learning journey unlike any other.

Skills Our Graduates Learn at SIA

Posted on Wednesday February 23 , 2022 by Carin Simon
A student getting the graduation certificate from Heather Moore

Strelitz International Academy is an International Baccalaureate® elementary school in Virginia Beach and centrally located near Norfolk and Chesapeake. Our students experience an inquiry-based curriculum in which they learn a number of skills. These skills are applied inside and outside of the classroom. Thus, creating well-rounded individuals with critical thinking abilities. As the best affordable private school, we are proud to offer a bit of wisdom on how our program works.

Learning at SIA-An IB® PYP School

At Strelitz International Academy, we believe in setting your child up for success. That is why outside of the core curriculum, we work to provide our students with the skills they need to be excellent students and productive adults. A school is a place for learning. And in addition to the academic lessons, students at SIA learn the motor skills and morals that make them better humans. This includes learning critical thinking and analytical skills, language skills, music skills, and global understanding.

1. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Strelitz International Academy follows the International Baccalaureate® (IB) approach to learning. Consequently, this approach uses inquiry-based learning as its foundation. Because of this, students at SIA are encouraged to ask questions and find the answers through research and discussion. Similarly, students are provided the room to think critically and independently. The IB program allows students to use their critical thinking and analytical skills. This allows them to solve problems, answer questions, and have productive conversations with their peers.

2. Language Skills

Students at SIA develop language skills through the use and appreciation of Hebrew. Because of this, children learn the Hebrew language in conversational and biblical understanding. As a result, understanding a second language is embedded into the many teachings and classes that we offer. This includes our course titled, Jewish life and learning. As a result, students learn to take action from the lessons they learn.

3. Music Skills

Music is both an art and a science. As a result, children are given the opportunity to express themselves. This comes from the technical aspects of learning an instrument and the creative aspects of creating music. Because of this, our program at SIA exposes students to music and instruments at a young age. These various instruments-Suzuki violins, other string instruments, recorders, and bells-allow students to explore the Jewish culture and build a creative foundation. Many of our graduates go on to take orchestra or band in Middle and High School because of their music foundation at SIA.

4. Global Understanding

The social studies program at SIA exposes students to a variety of cultures and communities. As a result, students learn the importance of their actions in regard to the world around them. We work with programs such as National Geographic Explorers and Empatico. This allows our students to connect with a global community. With the knowledge and ideals they learn, students feel empowered to be better global citizens.

Graduates of SIA

At SIA, children learn a variety of skills and lessons with the IB® program. Therefore, students who graduate from SIA, go on to become well-informed, productive, and high-achieving members of society. These skills help them be successful in all areas of life. As a result, our students become critical thinkers with analytical skills, multi-lingual, talented, and global citizens. Our students gain a wonderful foundation to set them up for success in Middle School and High School. During their last year at SIA, students are advised of top middle school programs in the area. Our students successfully transition to these programs with the skills they need to be successful.

Best Private Elementary Schools Virginia Beach

If you are looking for the best private elementary school in the Tidewater area, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk, Strelitz International Academy is here to help. We pride ourselves on the inquiry-based learning approach provided by the International Baccalaureate® program. The skills our graduates learn, set them up to be successful students and adults.

Interested in learning more? Check out our website to see how your child could develop and grow these invaluable skills. We are currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year and would love to see your child thrive.

To find out more and schedule a campus tour, please call 757-424-4327.

Why Is Early Childhood Education Important?

Posted on Thursday March 25 , 2021 by Carin Simon
Students Learning at Early Years Programme

The “early” in Early Childhood Education is generally defined as the period of time between when a child is born and when he or she first enters kindergarten, which is normally between the ages of 4 and 6.

During this time period, young minds are like sponges, soaking up as much knowledge as they can while also learning how to walk, talk, interact with others, and learn about “right” from “wrong.” For example, they may not understand why water boiling in a pan on the stove is dangerous, but when properly “instructed” and directed, they can learn that they should not touch it. Similarly, they can learn positive behaviors through a logical rewards and consequences that get them to understand what is expected of them as they make their way through life and take on greater responsibilities in the process.

Early Childhood Education is more than just teaching basic educational skills. It’s also a time to gain critical emotional and social aptitudes. This is why the staff, administration, and teachers of Strelitz International Academy so firmly believe in inquiry-based education—as opposed to the standardized curriculums used in public school. It’s why we chose to meet the rigorous demands of becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB®) candidate school, offering their Primary Years Programme (PYP) to students between the ages of 3 and 12 (kindergarten through 5th grade).

The IB® is an international educational foundation founded in 1968 with a mission to create a better world through education. The PYP seeks to nurture a child’s natural curiosity so they can take control of their learning. With teachers acting as collaborators to education, the environment created helps students excel in their studies as well as their personal growth, addressing the overall needs of the child as a whole.

The base for the IB’s educational programs is built on the Five Approaches to Learning, which include:
– Thinking skills
– Communications skills
– Social Skills
– Self-Management skills
– Research Skills

We understand that every child learns differently. We believe that by being an IB® program elementary school with small classroom sizes, teachers have a better opportunity to interact with each of the students and can provide additional assistance if they hit any roadblocks along the way.

Through inquiry-based learning, those students can build a better understanding of why things are the way they are, and what their responsibilities are and will be as humans–at home or school, in their communities, and as citizens of the world. This forms a lifelong love of learning that helps our students excel as they travel down their chosen paths.

It also helps children form lifelong relationships with other students that will serve them well as they move forward with their education and then into the real world. This can be instrumental in helping them get good jobs, starting businesses together, collaborating on projects, or just moral support from a trusted peer.

We invite you to come join us, learn more about our curriculum and our dedication to helping children learn, so we can get their journey started.

What is The Secret to Learning?

Posted on Monday March 23 , 2020 by Strelitz
Students of Early Years Programme

When it comes to education, young people are like sponges, ready to soak up as much as they can from the environment around them. However, as Lorna Orleans, our Director of the Early Years Program notes, if they are not “engaged” in what you are trying to teach them, you might as well save your breath. However, when children are engaged, they begin to ask lots of questions, especially in a group environment where they can share ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter at hand.

According to the International Baccalaureate (IB), an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland that was established in 1969, there are five Approaches to Learning (ATL), that are important in the development of young minds. Those approaches including:

  1. Thinking Skills
  2. Communication Skills
  3. Social Skills
  4. Self-Management Skills
  5. Research Skills

At Strelitz International Academy, we understand the importance of getting students involved as opposed to having them memorize facts and figures, then being able to recite them back at an appropriate time (tests). We also understand that different students learn in different ways, which is why the five ATLs are also so important. This is just one of the reasons why we are not only one of the best elementary schools in the Hampton Roads area, we’re also one of the best affordable private schools, ready to provide your students with lessons and experiences that make learning fun. More importantly, keeping them engaged helps them to satisfy the five Approaches to Learning.

Some recent activities noted by Lorna Orleans showing these principles in action include:

    1. An EY2 class learning about shapes from food. In addition to eating crackers that were both square and rectangular, they made pizza, noting that it is traditionally round, but when cut into pieces, they make up triangles.
    2. In an EY3 class, instead of simply reading to students, the teacher read a story to the class first, then prompted them to create props they could use when retelling the story at home.
    3. Our EY4 teachers guide their students in drawing connections they hear about in “read alouds” with moments from their own lives.

We encourage our parents to continue these learning moments at home or even when on vacation with their children. Learning is a life-long pursuit. Let’s keep it fun and interesting.

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