10 Aug How you can help prepare your child for Primary School
Going to big school can be exciting and scary for children and parents also. This change in routine can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of apprehension for both children and families. The transition process may be smoother when children are confident, settled and aware of possible changes. Parents often ask us for our advice on ways we can all help children make the big step to Kindergarten as successful as possible.
Here is a list of helpful and practical ways families can help prepare children.
- Talk positively and confidently about starting and attending school
- Speak with your child about the change in their daily routine, how will they get to school, what time they have to get up in the morning and what they will have in their lunch box
- Visit the school with your child before they start so they’re familiar with the classrooms, playground equipment, bubblers, toilets, sick bay etc.
- Meet the teachers that may be working with your child and speak about them positively to your child
- Tell your child about support systems that the school offers e.g. if there is a buddy system where an older child supports your child in their first year of school
- Read books together about starting school
- Be involved in your child’s school community e.g. participating in playgroups, orientation days or other social gatherings like school fetes and welcome barbecues
- Attend Primary school events such as the book week parade, an assembly or school concert – if at all possible in these times
- Develop good relationships with other parents, especially other parents of your child’s friends
- Establish good attendance patterns for your child
- Develop family routines at home to support your child’s learning at school e.g. read with your child each night, help them with any homework etc.
(Source: Starting Blocks – Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority)
If you would like have a chat with our KC Educators, find out about our getting ready for school and Preschool education programs, call us on 9683 2770 or book online, click here