How to Help Students When a Classmate Moves

Hello Friends!

As teachers we put our whole heart into what we do and our students.  We become a family.  When a student moves during the year it is hard on all of us!

I recently had a student move this past week and the hole it makes in your classroom hurts. Their spot is empty, something they may have left behind is found or dropped off in your room, kids ask about them ...
It is hard for everyone.

This blog will help you find ways to get your students and you through that tough time.

One thing we did for the moving student, is make a book for her.  She was thrilled to receive it and I hope it made leaving a little easier for her.

Here is what the book looked like:

The kids all created a page and put their feelings into words for the moving student.  It was a great way to express ourselves.

While the other children are creating their pages, the child moving creates their own memory pages.

They also autographed the book so the child could remember them all. 

After all of the pages are complete, I collect them and I used a binding machine to put them all together.  The whole process was completed during our Morning Meeting time because I found out the day before that she was moving. 

I also added a some photos for her!

Here is what the final book looks like:

If you are interested in making one of these for someone moving from your classroom, grab it here!

*This is also perfect for a student teacher leaving your room or even a retiring teacher.  Our principal is leaving soon and I plan to make one for her from my class!

We also included a 1/2 page version for you to use to save on copies.

Another idea if you have advance knowledge of the child moving, is to have a special day for that child. They get to be first at everything, a special snack, bring in fluffy friends, etc. Just make that day a fun memory for that kiddo!

Lesson Learned: I know I will now have a complete set on hand for those kiddos you find out about at the last minute! I never want to be unprepared for it again!

We hope these ideas help ease that time in your classroom!

Happy Teaching!