August 27, 2025

Navigating Back-to-School Transitions: Expert Advice for Families

The Challenges of Changing Grades and Schools

With back-to-school season upon us, students and parents often face the challenges of advancing to a new grade or switching schools. Whether transitioning from daycare to kindergarten, elementary school to high school, or high school to CEGEP, these changes can bring both excitement and anxiety.

In a recent episode of the What’s Literacy? Podcast, host Dan Laxer spoke with psychologist Joseph D’Intino from the Montreal Fluency Centre about the common challenges families encounter during these back-to-school transitions and how to manage them effectively.

Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster

According to D’Intino, what can make these transitions so difficult is the element of the unknown. “Anytime that we have something that’s unknown, people can get nervous. They can ask questions. They can feel like they’re not prepared,” he explains. This sense of uncertainty can happen in many ways, from concerns about making new friends to worries about academic expectations.

D’Intino notes that the level of difficulty can vary depending on the grade level. For example, the transition from kindergarten to first grade can be especially difficult, as students go from a more play-based, hands-on environment to a more structured, desk-based classroom setting.

Other key transition points, according to D’Intino, include the move from second to third grade (when the focus shifts more towards reading comprehension), the jump from elementary to middle school, and the leap from high school to post-secondary education. Each of these milestones brings its own set of challenges, from increased academic demands to greater independence and responsibility.

Navigating Transitions with Empathy and Preparation

So, how can parents and students prepare for and manage these back-to-school transitions? D’Intino offers some tips:

• Establish Routines: In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, focus on getting bedtime and homework routines in place. This helps ensure that students are well-rested and ready to tackle the demands of the new school year.
• Encourage Open Communication: Rather than leading with concerns or warnings about the challenges ahead, D’Intino recommends starting with open-ended questions that allow students to share their thoughts and feelings. “What are you excited about? What are you nervous about?” This approach helps build rapport and allows for better communication.
• Emphasize Strengths and Positives: When discussing the transition, be sure to highlight the student’s strengths and the opportunities that lie ahead, rather than focusing solely on the potential difficulties. 

For students with additional learning, language, or behavioural challenges, D’Intino emphasizes the importance of close communication between parents and the school. “School staff are aware of those needs. If they’re not aware, then you can guarantee that it’ll be a conversation early in the school year.” Involving the student in these discussions and ensuring they understand the available resources and accommodations can also go a long way in building confidence and a sense of agency.

Embracing the Excitement of New Beginnings

While the back-to-school transition can be a source of stress and anxiety for many, it’s important to remember that it also represents an exciting new chapter. As D’Intino points out, there are some students who genuinely “love school” and “can’t wait to get back there.”

For these students, and for those who may be nervous but open to the possibilities, the start of a new school year can bring a sense of renewed energy, opportunities for growth, and the chance to explore new interests and passions. Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in a club, or simply reconnecting with friends, the transition to a new grade or school can be a time of discovery and personal development.

Resources for Families

For parents and students seeking additional support and guidance during the back-to-school transition, the Montreal Fluency Centre offers a range of services, including speech and language assessment and therapy, academic interventions, and psycho-educational assessments. The center’s mission is to make these services accessible to families.

Our podcast, “What’s Literacy?” is a valuable resource for exploring topics related to community building, lifelong learning, and the multiple types of literacy. You can find the podcast on Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Remember that while the back-to-school transition may be challenging, it also represents an opportunity for growth, discovery, and the development of essential life skills. With the right support, preparation, and mindset, students and families can navigate these changes with confidence and enthusiasm.