Back to school: Expert tips when little kids make big transitions (re-broadcast)

How can families make the transition back to school a little easier? And what should parents think about when supporting their child through those first few weeks?On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Ira Lit on preparing children, and schools, for the start of a new school year. As students, families, and educators head back to the classroom, Lit shares practical advice on building strong family-school partnerships, teaching the teacher how to welcome students, and supporting children as they develop at their own pace. He covers several topics, including:(06:00) What it means to have access to a great school(12:00) School readiness: Preparing educators, not just students(14:49) Building strong family-teacher partnerships(17:42) Reading readiness: when to reach out to the pro’s(21:30) Supporting every learner in the classroom(24:30) What great elementary schools have in commonIra Lit is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). At the time of the recording, Lit was director of the elementary STEP program where he prepared future educators to teach in kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms. Drawing on deep expertise teaching students from preschool through fifth grade, his research focuses on teaching, learning, equity, and the experiences of children and families in schools. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.