Adapting to a New School: An NLP Take on Finding Your Footing

An image of a person stepping from one stepping stone to another, over a calm stream.
To be honest, starting at a new school isn’t just about learning where the staff room is or figuring out the timetable. It’s also about carrying all the habits and expectations from the place you left behind.


You’ve probably heard this—or maybe even said it yourself:

“At my former school, we used to…”


It’s a completely natural reflex. But if you’re not careful, it can hold you back from feeling at home in your new environment.


Why This Happens


When teachers keep referring to their previous school, a few things can get in the way of settling in:


1. Comparing Everything

   Measuring the new school against the old one can make the new place feel like it never quite measures up.


2. Holding Onto Old Ways

   It’s easy to assume the same methods will fit, but every school has its own culture and systems.


3. Feeling Like You Don’t Belong

   If your identity is wrapped up in where you came from, it can be harder to connect with where you are now.



What Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Teaches Us


Neurolinguistic Programming—NLP for short—helps us see that the language we use isn’t just talk. It shapes how we think and feel. If our words keep pulling us back into the past, our mindset stays stuck there too.



Let Me Share With You 3 Ways You Can Start Feeling More Grounded in Your New School 


1. Watch Your Language

Instead of defaulting to “At my former school…,” try phrases like “Here, I’m seeing…” or “I’m curious about…” It helps your brain focus on the present.


2. Create New Connections

Take time to get to know your colleagues. Share a drink/snack, ask questions, join in. Belonging grows out of shared experiences.


3. Understand the New Culture

Every school has its own way of doing things. Be open to learning how this place operates, and how you can contribute.


☘️


Adjusting to a new school doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from. 

Your past experiences are valuable. But growth happens when you blend what you know with what you’re learning.


☘️

So the next time you catch yourself comparing or reminiscing, pause for a moment.


Breathe.


And remind yourself:


"This is a fresh chapter. I’m here to learn, to connect, and to make a difference."


That mindset will take you a lot further than any old habit ever could!




---------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Relis Educators Hub,

where we help you help every child thrive.☘️


Like & follow us on our:

Facebook Page


Join our community for ongoing support:

WhatsApp


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Leap from Classroom to Entrepreneurship: When Should Educators Take the Plunge?

Image
Educational Leadership Many educators have made the successful transition from traditional classroom teaching to entrepreneurship, leveraging their skills and experience to build thriving businesses. However, the question remains: when is the right time for a classroom teacher to leave the security of a 9-to-5 job and embark on an entrepreneurial journey? As educators consider this path, they must weigh the benefits of stability against the potential for innovation and growth. To make this transition successfully, teachers need to acquire new skills, such as business management, marketing, and leadership. They must also secure resources, including funding, talent, and infrastructure, to support their ventures. Some potential entrepreneurial paths for educators include: Private consulting: Offering expertise to individuals or organizations on a freelance basis. Online courses or tutoring: Creating and selling online educational content or providing one-on-one tutoring services. School...
Read more

They Understand You. Now Help Them Speak.

Image
I once sat with a teacher who looked puzzled. She whispered, almost in frustration: “He can hear me. He responds when I call his name. He even follows instructions. But he won’t say a single word. What do I do?” I smiled because I knew this teacher’s frustration was wrapped in hope. She had already noticed something crucial: the child understood. That’s where the story begins. Understanding before speaking For many children, language doesn’t bloom all at once. They build receptive language (understanding) long before expressive language (speaking). Think of it as filling a cup — comprehension fills it drop by drop until it overflows into speech. When a child “gets it” but can’t yet “say it,” our role is to gently bridge the gap. 🔶 Model the words Imagine a boy pointing at his water bottle. Instead of silently handing it over, you say: “Water. You want water? Here’s your water.” Research shows repeated modelling builds pathways in the brain — each word you speak becomes a tin...
Read more

Special Education Coordinators: Let's Talk About Asking Better Questions

Image
As special education coordinators, we know how crucial parent interviews are in understanding a child's needs. But let's be real – the way we ask questions matters.  Sometimes, our questions can come across as if we're looking for problems rather than trying to understand the child's strengths and challenges. The Questions We Ask Matter Think about it. When we ask questions like "Does your child throw tantrums?" or "Does your child have difficulty with social interactions?", we're already framing the conversation around potential issues. It's like we're looking for a "yes" or "no" answer that confirms our suspicions. What If We Asked Different Questions? What if, instead of asking leading questions, we asked open-ended ones that encouraged parents to share their insights and perspectives? For example: - "How does your child express themselves when they're feeling frustrated?" - "Can you tell me about...
Read more