Anyone will definitely find it difficult when they have to adapt to a new social environment, including new students at your school. Imagine, your school contains students, teachers, and a learning environment that is completely foreign to it. To help him adapt, make sure you give him a warm welcome, strive to create a positive first impression, and are willing to offer genuine help whenever needed.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Positive First Impression
Step 1. Greet him warmly
Most likely, he will feel awkward and nervous when entering a new environment. Therefore, it is you who need to approach and greet him first; show that he is welcome so nothing to worry about. Be as friendly as possible when greeting him; preferably, do this on the first day of school. For a new student, the first day is the most difficult time and he will need someone else to help him adapt.
Introduce yourself in a friendly manner and don't forget to mention your name. For example, you could say, “Hello, I'm Lucy! It's great to have someone new in class. What's your name?"
Step 2. Find more information about it
Ask a few simple questions to show that you want to get to know him better. By asking things that interest him, it will help you to find out what you have in common. After that, you can recommend extracurricular activities that are suitable for him to participate in, or introduce him to other people who can accommodate his interests.
- Instead, do this outside of class, for example during recess or lunch. Don't get him into trouble because you're constantly chatting with him in class!
- Also ask what activities he participated in at his old school. Use the information to recommend similar activities at your school.
Step 3. Tell me a few things about you
Don't be afraid to talk about things that interest you; Doing so helps you build a bond with him, especially if you both have common interests. After that, you can also recommend extracurricular activities that are suitable for him.
- Provide brief information about yourself when introducing yourself. For example, you could introduce yourself by saying, “Hello, I'm Mira, the trombone player in the school marching band.” By saying that, you are signaling the things that interest you in him.
- If your extracurricular takes place after school or on weekends, share the details with the new student ahead of time. That way, you have the opportunity to invite him to join if he also has the same interests.
Part 2 of 3: Involving Him in Various Social Situations
Step 1. Make sure he sits next to you
He will be more helpful to adapt if he sits on the bench next to you. For that, try asking your teacher for permission to sit near the new student and explain why. As long as your intentions are positive, chances are your teacher will allow it.
Step 2. Take him to lunch together
One of the scariest moments for new students is the break or lunch. Usually, each student already has a lunch group or even his own table in the cafeteria. As a result, new students have to be willing to sit alone when lunch time arrives. To prevent him from feeling isolated, invite him to sit at the same table as you during lunch time.
If you are used to sitting with your friends, there is nothing wrong with inviting him to sit together and introduce him to your friends
Step 3. Introduce him to your friends
Don't feel like you're the only one who should welcome it. Try introducing him to your other friends; by doing so, he will still feel comfortable even if you are not around him. Most likely, he will actually be helped to find a group of friends who really suit him.
Part 3 of 3: Helping Her Adjust
Step 1. Help him adjust to his new schedule
Most likely, he has a lot of questions about his new subject, where his class is, or his teachers.
If your school provides comprehensive information regarding class schedules, classroom locations, teacher name information, etc., help him access this information. For example, some schools list this information in their admissions book or school website
Step 2. Check with him regularly
Generally, the first day is the most difficult period for new students. As his new friend, make sure he has a good and fun first day. After the day is over, try to be there for her whenever needed; at the very least, make sure the first few weeks at the new school go well.
If you wish, provide your phone number or social media information. That way, he can contact you whenever needed
Step 3. If you are in the same class, be willing to help him with the assignment
In many cases, changing schools is a tiring activity, especially if it happens in the middle of a new school year. Your friend may be having the same problem; he has to adapt to new lessons, new environment, and new friends in no time. If you really want to help him adapt, try getting him to work on an assignment together. At that time, you can help him finish the material that is difficult for him.
If Indonesian is her second language, try offering to help her with the assignment
Tips
- Tell positive things about your school environment. Explain what you really like about your school and encourage him to be more involved in it!
- Remember, most likely many things are weighing on his mind because he has to adapt in a completely new environment. If he seems less interested in being friends with you, it doesn't mean he doesn't like you or doesn't appreciate what you're doing; maybe he just needs more time to open up to new people.
- One way to make him feel involved and accepted in a new social environment is to invite him to hang out with your friends.
- Don't try to control it or be superior. Let him be himself in the new environment.
- Treat him as you would your other friends.
- Try to understand him if he looks tired. If he doesn't seem like he's listening or paying attention to you, chances are that his brain is trying to absorb all the new things around him. Don't nag him if you don't want him to cry or get scared. Stay friendly and try to slowly repeat the information you provide.
Warning
- Don't be a possessive friend. If he seems lazy to talk to you, don't force him. After all, you will find it difficult to open up to new people, right?
- If you guys don't have much in common, don't worry! Believe me, friendship based on different backgrounds will actually enrich the mindset of the parties in it.
- Have fun! You're just helping other people, not in a profession. Greet him or her because you really want to, not because you have to. Make sure you always do everything sincerely, yes!
- Don't limit the relationship. If he makes friends with your biggest enemy, don't try to get in the way! Remember, he has the right to relate to anyone, including people you don't like,
