Description
This activity is designed to give children a clear, visual way to understand what will be different about the new school year, and – just as importantly – what will stay the same. By making the familiar visible, we help reduce uncertainty and remind them that not everything is changing.
Children will list or draw the things that:
• Will stay the same (such as friends, favourite subjects, lunch routine, uniform)
• Will be different (such as a new teacher, classroom layout, timetable).
Sometimes, it’s the different column that feels biggest in the moment. But by laying it out side-by-side, children can see that many aspects of their school life remain stable. This can be especially reassuring in the first few weeks, when the ‘new’ still feels strange.
Tip:
If your child feels anxious or unsettled during the term, revisit this activity with them. Re-reading the ‘same’ list can help them reconnect with a sense of security, while reminding them that the “different” items will soon become familiar parts of their routine.
With gentle reassurance and repeated reminders, the changes that once felt uncomfortable can soon become part of their everyday comfort zone
