10 – 12

Moving to Secondary School

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Moving to Secondary School

What to do with this activity?

Moving from Primary School into Secondary School is a big step and can be challenging. Secondary schools are usually bigger, you have different teachers, new subjects, more homework...On top of this, your child is becoming a teenager. They might be sad leaving a nice class from primary school. Friends might go to different secondary schools. They might only hear about the hard stuff. Secondary teachers say many children get into the run of things within a few weeks, but it is not unusual for some kids to take a good bit longer than that. Ask your child how they feel about it and listen to their worries.

See a resource attached here, from Louth and Meath Education and Training Board with other local organisations. To view it, click on "Download the PDF" for "Mind the Gap" - to the right of the picture above. It covers things like finding your way around the school, understanding timetables and coping with rumours.

You could arrange that your child talks to bigger cousins or kids who are in secondary school now. They might give your child tips.

  • Why am I doing this?

    Children gain confidence in speaking through demonstrating their knowledge to others. Chatting and listening to your child will help build their communication skills. Talking about words and their meaning in everyday life will also help build your child’s vocabulary – and your own!

  • How can I do more?

    Funny stories are interesting and a good excuse to get your child talking. At mealtimes, each family member could tell something interesting or something funny that happened during the day. Watching TV together can also provide a good opportunity for chat and to discuss what you are watching. Check if your child understands different things they hear and encourage your child to teach you new words and things they have learnt.

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