In the middle of the class, a student you've never seen before sits at the empty desk next to you after introducing themselves to the teacher. You too have been "the new one" in the past and remember how difficult it was to adapt to the new environment. This article can give you some ideas to make the student feel more comfortable and maybe make you a new friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making a Good Impression
Step 1. Greet him warmly
First, take the initiative. He may feel nervous or anxious about going to other schoolmates, whether it's to make friends or ask for help. If you talk to him first, he will understand that he has nothing to worry about. Be nice and kind when you chat with him.
- Try greeting him as soon as he arrives. With this attitude you will have the opportunity to get to know him and help him throughout the day.
- Introduce yourself by telling him your name and making him feel welcome. For example, you can start like this: "Hi! My name is Luca! I'm happy to meet you. What's your name?".
Step 2. Deepen his knowledge
Ask him a few questions to show that you intend to get to know him better. Ask him what his interests are to find out if you have any points in common. Also consider offering him some after-school activities or introducing him to other classmates he might befriend.
- It is better not to do this in class so as not to put him in trouble with new teachers. Talk between subjects or just after school.
- By asking him what activities he was involved in in the old school, you could tell him which activities he was involved in in the new one.
Step 3. Talk little about yourself
Don't be afraid to mention your interests. This way, you will have the opportunity to develop a bond with him, especially if you have common interests, but also to suggest what extracurricular activities he can try.
- Tell him something about yourself, so that he can remember you and get an idea of your interests. For example, you might say, "I play the flute in the school band."
- If you have any after-school activities planned, let him know the day before so you can invite him to join you.
Part 2 of 3: Helping him integrate
Step 1. Make sure he sits next to you
If you share the same desk, you will have less difficulty helping him when you are in class. Ask the teachers if you can sit next to the new partner. They shouldn't object if you explain that you want to be helpful.
For example, you might say, "Can I sit next to Maria? She's new and I'd like to help her."
Step 2. Invite him to sit next to you during lunch
Those new to a school may be frightened of not knowing where to sit for lunch. There is a risk that you will find yourself eating all alone while others already have their seats. Reserve him a seat at your table and you will make a great impression.
- If you are used to sitting next to your friends, use this opportunity to introduce him to the group.
- Ask him during recess or on your way to lunch if he wants to sit next to you, saying something like, "Hey, would you like to have lunch with me and my friends?"
Step 3. Introduce him to your friends
Don't take too much to heart about welcoming him. Introduce it to your friends and other classmates. This way, you will help him make new friends and feel comfortable even when you're not around. He may also find a group he feels comfortable with and integrates completely with.
- Don't be angry if he doesn't bond with your friends. The aim is to make him feel welcome; if he can build his own circle of friends, that's just fine!
- He may meet another group of students he is comfortable with and befriend them.
Part 3 of 3: Help him orient himself in the New School
Step 1. Help him with the schedules
In addition to settling in, he will have to learn how to manage an entirely new school program. Chances are you will have a lot of questions about subjects, classrooms, and even teachers.
- If the school provides resources that allow pupils to familiarize themselves with subject schedules and schedules, make sure the new student has access to them.
- If not, improvise! Make sure he has the right time, get him a calendar or a printed list of all the events planned for the school year.
Step 2. Check if all is well
The first day is very stressful for new students, so make sure it goes smoothly. However, try to make yourself available afterwards as well. Keep caring for your new partner during the first few weeks of school.
- If it doesn't cost you much, you can give them your phone number or contact information on social networks. That way, he'll have the ability to turn to you when he needs it.
- Not everyone likes someone else to take care of them. If your new partner tells you he doesn't need help, respect his wish.
Step 3. Be prepared to help him with his homework if you are a classmate
Changing schools can be traumatizing, especially if it happens during the school year. The fact of having to settle in an unknown context and between strangers can confuse the newcomer.
- Offer to study with him. You can give him some time between lessons or meet him in the afternoon to help him out on subjects where he has some difficulty.
- If Italian is not his mother tongue, you can help him with his homework.
Advice
- Speak well of your school. Tell him what the positives are and encourage him to settle in!
- Remember that he will probably have a lot of things to think about. If he doesn't seem that interested in making friends with you, it doesn't necessarily mean that he doesn't like you or that he doesn't appreciate your gestures. Maybe you should take a step back and give it some time rather than insist.
- It would be a good idea to invite him on a date with you and your friends. He will feel welcomed and welcome.
- Don't take control and don't be overbearing. Give him a chance to express his personality.
- Treat him like any other friend.
- Don't forget that he may feel confused. If he doesn't seem to be listening or paying attention, he is probably trying to record all the information he receives from his surroundings. Don't scold him, or he may start crying (if he's smaller than you) or start shaking and afraid. Be gentle and speak slowly.
Warnings
- Have fun! You could be doing him a huge favor, but it doesn't have to be a job. Be friendly because you want it, not because you feel compelled. Try to be honest.
- If you don't have a lot in common, don't worry! Difference is richness! Compare the environments you come from to find out how far your diversity can bring you closer!
- Don't stop him from getting to know other people. If he wishes to make friends with your worst enemy, patience!
- Try not to be "clingy". If you feel like he needs some space, give him it. When you meet someone, they may have a hard time opening up right away.
