Fatma Coşar, Principal of Near East Primary School, emphasized the anxiety and excitement children may experience during the return to school, emphasizing that families’ patience, understanding, and supportive attitudes facilitate adaptation.

With the end of summer vacation, the 2025-2026 academic year has begun. The new academic year brings excitement and curiosity, but also, at times, anxiety for students. Education experts say that elementary school-aged children, in particular, can experience a variety of emotions due to the new classroom environment, teachers, and peers. Separation anxiety, curiosity, shyness, and excitement are among the most common behaviors during this period.

Fatma Coşar, Principal of Near East Primary School, who has been in the profession for 40 years, emphasizes the need for both students and parents to be patient and understanding during this period. Coşar emphasized that the first weeks of school are critical for children, saying, “During this period, students are learning the school rules and beginning to establish new social relationships. As teachers, we are always there to facilitate this process. This reduces students’ anxiety and makes school a safer and more enjoyable place.”

Every child’s adaptation process is different!

Providing parents with important advices, Fatma Coşar said, “Every child’s adaptation process is different. The important thing is to reassure them and give them time.” Coşar emphasized the importance of keeping morning goodbyes short and clear during this process, saying, “When children have long goodbyes with their parents in the morning, their anxiety can increase, and their adaptation to the school environment can slow down. Thus, saying goodbye briefly, lovingly, and positively reassures children and helps them start their day with confidence. A hug and saying I love you, is often the most effective way to say goodbye.”

Near East Primary School Principal Fatma Coşar also emphasized that maintaining children’s daily routines and engaging in brief conversations about their experiences throughout the day also supports the adaptation process. Coşar said, “Trying to understand children’s feelings and making them feel supported against the challenges they face at school makes them feel more secure and accelerates the adaptation process.”

Collaboration with parents facilitates the adaptation process…

Coşar noted that the orientation program implemented at Near East Primary School allows students to express themselves freely from their first day of school. “Teachers and the guidance service, in collaboration with families, support children to get off to a strong start academically and socially,” he said.

Near East Primary School Principal Fatma Coşar explained that they regularly communicate with parents and share simple activities and suggestions that can be implemented at home. “This way, students feel more secure at school, and families can closely monitor their children’s emotional development. This accelerates students’ adaptation to school and makes their school experience more positive.”