Share Your Thoughts On Moving To A New School!
Create a feelings poster and a short letter about moving to a new school, practice expressing emotions, planning steps, and sharing with an adult.
About this activity
Create a feelings poster and a short letter about moving to a new school, practice expressing emotions, planning steps, and sharing with an adult.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Gather all your Materials Needed and find a comfy table to work at.
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Step 2
Pick a big fun title for your feelings poster like My Moving Feelings or New School Adventure.
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Step 3
Use your pencil to draw three boxes and one larger box for a plan on your paper.
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Step 4
In the first box write one feeling word and draw a face that shows that feeling.
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Step 5
In the second box write a different feeling word and draw a face that shows that feeling.
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Step 6
In the third box write a third feeling word and draw a face that shows that feeling.
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Step 7
Under each face write one short sentence that explains why you might feel that way at a new school.
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Step 8
In the larger plan box write three simple steps you can do when you feel nervous or excited.
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Step 9
Take a new sheet and write a short letter to your new teacher and classmates telling your name one thing you are excited about and one worry.
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Step 10
Add colors stickers or glue decorations to make your poster and letter bright and happy.
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Step 11
Ask an adult to sit with you so they can help and listen.
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Step 12
Read your letter out loud to the adult while you show them your poster.
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Step 13
Ask the adult for one helpful idea to add to your plan and write it on the poster if you want.
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Step 14
Share your finished poster and letter on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I guide my child to create a feelings poster and write a short letter about moving to a new school?
Start by having a calm conversation asking your child how they feel about moving. Brainstorm words and draw symbols for feelings. On a poster, write feelings, use colors and images, add coping ideas (like meeting new friends or visiting school). For the letter, help the child write a short note introducing themselves, mentioning things they’re excited or worried about, and a plan (e.g., ask questions, make a friend). Practice reading it aloud, then share with a trusted adult to discuss next step
What materials do we need to make a feelings poster and write a letter about moving schools?
You’ll need a large sheet of paper or poster board, markers, crayons or colored pencils, stickers or magazine pictures, glue or tape, plain paper and a pencil for the letter, and an envelope if you want to mail or keep it. Optional: photos of the family or the new school, sticky notes for planning steps, and a comfy spot to sit. Keep materials simple and kid-friendly, and let the child choose colors and decorations to express feelings.
What ages is this 'moving to a new school' feelings poster and letter activity suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through preteens, roughly ages 4–12. Younger children (4–6) will enjoy drawing and choosing colors with adult help writing the letter. Primary school kids (7–9) can write short sentences and list coping steps. Older kids (10–12) can draft a fuller letter, plan specific actions, and role-play sharing. Always adjust expectations for each child’s reading and writing level, and provide support for language, fine motor skills, or emotional regulation as needed.
What are the benefits of making a feelings poster and letter before moving to a new school?
Making a feelings poster and letter helps kids name emotions, reduce anxiety, and practice problem-solving. It builds communication skills, increases self-awareness, and creates a concrete plan for coping with change. Sharing with an adult strengthens trust and lets caregivers address specific worries. For teachers, a letter can introduce the child and their needs. The activity also boosts confidence by turning big feelings into manageable steps and gives children a sense of control during trans
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of stickers, glue, or large poster paper if we don't have them?
If you don't have stickers, glue, or big poster paper, use notebook or printer paper taped together for a larger sheet, and decorate with magazine cut-outs or colored paper fastened with tape or stapler instead of glue or stickers.
I'm stuck drawing faces and writing the short sentences under each one—what should I do?
If drawing faces or writing the one-sentence explanations in the three small boxes is hard, trace simple circle faces with pencil and use sentence starters like 'I might feel ___ because ___' to finish each under-face sentence.
How can this activity be changed to suit younger children or older kids?
For younger children, have an adult draw the three boxes and help write the short sentences while the child picks feeling words and stickers, and for older kids, encourage a longer letter to the teacher, more detailed three-step plans in the larger box, and extra decorations or digital sharing.
What are some fun ways to make the poster and letter more special or to keep using them after finishing?
To enhance the project, add a photo, a small map to the new school, role-play the three-step plan with an adult, and record the child reading their letter to upload to DIY.org or keep as a confidence-building video.