5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Communication During the Back-to-School Transition

The start of a new school year can be exciting, but adjusting to new teachers, classmates, routines,
and expectations can also feel overwhelming. These changes may be especially challenging for
children with speech, language, or social communication needs.
Here are five practical ways to help your child communicate confidently during the back-to-school
transition.
1. Preview New Routines
Knowing what to expect can make unfamiliar situations feel more manageable. Talk with your child
about what their school day may look like, including getting ready, traveling to school, entering the
classroom, eating lunch, and coming home.
You can practice sequencing these activities using words such as first, next, then, and last. For example:
“First, we put on our shoes. Next, we get in the car. Then, we go to school.”
2. Use Visual Supports
Visual schedules, checklists, pictures, and written reminders can help children understand routines
and express themselves more independently.
Consider creating a simple morning checklist or a visual schedule showing the major parts of the
school day. Children who use AAC may also benefit from reviewing where important school-related
words are located on their devices.
Visual supports are not meant to replace spoken language. Instead, they provide another way for
children to understand information, anticipate what comes next, and communicate successfully.
3. Practice Asking for Help
Children may not always know what to say when they feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure.
Practice useful self-advocacy phrases before the school year begins, such as:
● “I need help.”
● “Can you say that again?”
● “I don’t understand.”
● “Can you show me?”
● “I need a break.”
● “Can I have more time?”
These messages can be practiced verbally, through gestures, with picture supports, or using an AAC
device. Role-playing different classroom situations can help your child feel more comfortable using
them when needed.
4. Allow Extra Processing Time
After asking a question or giving a direction, pause and give your child enough time to process the
information and formulate a response. Try silently counting to five before repeating the question or
offering assistance.
It can be tempting to immediately rephrase a question, provide additional prompts, or answer for
your child. However, too much language at once may make processing even more difficult. A quiet
pause can create the space your child needs to respond independently.
5. Create Low-Pressure Opportunities to Talk
After a long school day, broad questions such as “How was school?” can be difficult to answer.
More specific prompts may make it easier for your child to recall and share information. Try asking:
● “What was one fun thing you did today?”
● “Who did you sit with at lunch?”
● “What made you laugh?”
● “Was anything difficult today?”
● “What are you excited about for tomorrow?”
Children can also communicate about their day by drawing, pointing to pictures, acting something
out, or using their AAC device. Remember that all forms of communication are valuable.
Supporting a Successful Start
Every child communicates differently, and transitioning back to school may take time. Preparing
routines, providing visual supports, practicing self-advocacy, allowing extra processing time, and
creating comfortable opportunities to connect can help your child begin the school year with greater
confidence.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or communication skills, a
speech-language pathologist can help identify individualized strategies to support success at home
and at school.