Preparing for the New Academic Year and Adaptation at RIS
Let’s talk about how adaptation takes place at the beginning of the school year and what helps children feel more confident at school. Shared by the psychologist of Russian International School.
The beginning of the academic year is always an important and responsible period for students, teachers, and parents alike. The first weeks of September largely determine how successful and productive the entire year will be. At Russian International School, the adaptation process is carefully structured, combining academic, psychological, and organizational elements designed to create a comfortable environment and foster healthy habits in students.
Adaptation and Teamwork
The first days of the school year at RIS are traditionally devoted to adaptation. At this stage, it is especially important that children feel part of the community. Special events and projects are organized to help students get to know new classmates and teachers, build trusting relationships, and quickly engage in school life.
A key role is played by team-building activities — games and group formats aimed at developing communication skills, cooperation, and mutual support. These activities help establish a positive emotional background from the very beginning, reduce anxiety, and make the transition to a new class as smooth as possible.
"It is important for a child to understand that they are not alone — they have a team, and together they can overcome any challenge," notes the RIS psychologist.
From Teamwork to Personal Goals
Once a trusting atmosphere has been established, attention gradually shifts to the development of individual skills. One of the key priorities becomes goal-setting and time management. Students learn to balance their workload, plan their time effectively, set both short- and long-term goals, and monitor their progress. These skills are vital not only for academic success but also for future professional life, fostering independence and responsibility.
Tools for Self-Organization
To support students in developing these skills, the RIS team of psychologists and methodologists has created special resources.
For primary school, there are Student Planners, which help children organize tasks, track achievements, and gradually see their progress.
For middle and high school, Success Books are used — more advanced tools for recording goals, tracking progress, and analyzing results.
These resources serve not only as practical guides but also as part of the school’s educational philosophy: to foster independence, responsibility, and strong motivation for self-development.
21st Century Skills
However, preparation is not limited to goal-setting and time management. At RIS, great attention is paid to the development of a wide range of skills essential for the modern student:
Self-regulation — the ability to cope with anxiety and maintain resilience in stressful situations;
Critical and analytical thinking — the capacity to analyze information and find solutions independently;
Communication — the ability to listen, express ideas clearly, and build dialogue;
Flexibility and adaptability — readiness to embrace change and respond to new challenges;
Teamwork — the skill of taking on different roles within a group and working effectively together.
Combined with goal-setting and self-organization, these abilities form the foundation of a student’s future success. A child who knows how to manage their time, work in a team, and evaluate their own performance feels more confident and is prepared for any academic challenge.
The Role of Parents in Adaptation
The beginning of the school year is a challenge not only for students but also for parents. A child’s confidence at school is strongly influenced by the atmosphere at home. Family support helps reduce anxiety, sustain motivation, and establish healthy routines from the very first weeks.
To support a child during this period, it is important to:
Maintain a positive outlook — talk about new opportunities, not only obligations;
Help with daily routines — build a balance of study, rest, and sleep, gradually giving the child responsibility for it;
Show interest in school life — ask not only about grades, but also about impressions, friends, and projects;
Encourage independence — give opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility;
Create an atmosphere of trust — show that support is always available in difficult moments.
Thus, adaptation at Russian International School is not a random process but a carefully designed system that combines teamwork practices, the development of individual skills, and family support. All of this together helps students start the school year with confidence and move towards high achievements.