Transition to school can be daunting. So, even though it is only December, now is the time to prepare your child for starting school in the New Year. One of the most important keys to a good start is a positive relationship between children, parents and teachers. Schools are busy running transition programs so that children will move smoothly from kindergarten to primary school. These are designed so that you and your child will know what to expect and become familiar with the new environment. Planning can help reduce stress and anxiety and build confidence through positive, supported experiences. So attend everything you can.
Children need to be able to care for themselves in many ways at school. Have a picnic over the holidays and practice with the school lunch box. Let your child have ‘snack’ and ‘lunch’ so they know what to eat when. Make sure they can open their lunch box and drink container; peel a banana, and unwrap their sandwich. Remember ‘fresh is best’ and avoid pre-packaged food whenever possible. Water too is best but it is good to send a full water bottle. This way you can keep an eye on how much your child is drinking. Although they can drink from the school bubble taps, a child often only has a mouthful. Children should be drinking between 1.5 and 2L a day. Encourage your child to drink throughout the day rather than just before and after school.
Make sure your child is OK going to the toilet by themselves, managing their clothes and washing their hands. A spare pair of knickers in the bottom of the school bag in case of accidents is a good idea.
Walk or ride to the school over the holidays so that your child gets familiar with the place and knows where the school is in relation to home.
Have a practice letting your child get ready for school; putting on their uniform, including shoes. Buckles or Velcro may be easier for 5 year olds to manage than laces. Check that they can take off their windcheater by themselves too.
Remember that starting school is tiring. Children need a good routine where they get adequate sleep and a healthy diet to keep them alert and able to learn. Knowing the routine also helps children feel safe and secure. Even if they don’t go straight to sleep, knowing that 7.30 pm is bedtime, defines the boundary.
At school, children will need to listen to the teacher and follow simple instructions. They need to be able to ask if they don’t understand or need something. They also need to be able to ‘wait their turn’ as teachers have a classroom full of children.
Encourage your child to make friends, ‘my name’s Jack, what’s your name?’ It helps if they can ask nicely, take turns, not hit, grab or be bossy, and share in a group.
Share your child’s excitement about starting school; let them know they are ready for it, a ‘big kid now’. But don’t get worried if your child starts to cry on the first day. Try to settle them into an activity or with someone and reassure them that you will be back waiting for them at the end of the day. Most children calm down quickly after you leave, so don’t draw it out too long. Rest assured, the school will let you know if there really is a problem.
You know your child best, so let the school know if you have any concerns or issues that might come up with your child. They will be very happy to help settle your child in.
Try to leave plenty of time to get ready on the first day to get off to a good start. Have everything ready and labelled before the big day. Make sure your child knows where you will meet them at the end of the day and don’t be late. Your child will feel secure if they know you are there.
My tip for hassles free mornings: No TV/computer games before school. These are a great distraction and time waster, so it is hard for children to think about other things like having breakfast, getting dressed etc. Remember too that young children are not aware of the time and don’t feel pressured like we do.
Don’t forget to take a photo of your child’s first day of school, this only happens once and enjoy this milestone!
For a complete list of Regional Parenting Service articles go to the City of Greater Geelong website www.geelongaustralia.com.au/community/family/services/article/8cbc84b53070368.aspx