School Jitters

LEESBURG, Virginia (WUSA)--"I don't know where to sit yet. I don't know whose my teacher yet," reflects 7-year-old Savannah Kapfhammer. "And I don't know what the classroom looks like yet."

Savannah is starting the second grade in September. Even though she might be considered an "old pro" by now, Savannah still gets the first day butterflies, especially when it comes to meeting new classmates.

"I'm really kind of shy....And I don't know what their names are yet. So I'm too shy to say, 'What's your name?'"

Savannah's mother, Diane, says she can tell weeks in advance her oldest daughter has the first day of school jitters.

"She'll tend to tell me that she is getting headaches. That she's getting stomach aches. That she feels like she's going to throw up," grimaces Diane.

"Children are no different than adults. Adults starting a new job, starting a new experience. For the opening of school children are going to feel the same jitters that we do," explains Janet Radcliffe, Principal at Steuart Weller Elementary in Ashburn.

"This is my 20th school opening as an educator, and I still get the jitters. But know they are more jitters of excitement because it is a celebration," says Radcliffe.

Radcliffe says the best way to combat jitters in children is preparation.

"Almost every school holds an open house the Thursday or Friday before school opens. And it is absolutely vital that parents bring their children in, walk around the school, get to see the teacher."

If your child is going to walk to school, Radcliffe recommends walking the route with your child a few times before school starts, pointing out the landmarks.

If your child is going to ride the bus, some jurisdictions in our area hold practice bus rides before the school year begins. Call your school and see if a "ride-a-long" will be held before the first school bell rings.

Radcliffe also recommends getting into the school routine weeks in advance by having set bedtimes, wake-up times and meal periods that correspond with your child's school lunch period. She also likes celebrating the start of school in some way; which is what Diane does for both her girls (daughter Sabrina is 6 and going into the first grade).

"So what I usually try to do is call all the friends that we have and figure out who is in what class. And then try to schedule some play dates. To try to establish that security."

The experts also warn parents to keep their own first day jitters in check. Kids will pick up on them. Even Savannah knows a mommy or daddy can be nervous for a child. Here are her words of wisdom:

"Well, I'll say, don't worry. I'll be fine," smiles Savannah.