Learning the ins and outs of a new school
Your youngster should become accustomed to the school setting in the weeks and months prior to entering school. This comprises the classroom, playground, restrooms, drinking fountains, and other facilities in addition to routines and rules.
Here are a few concepts:
- Try to make sure your child attends preschool on the days the kids go to "big school" if they attend a preschool or early development centre with a school transition programme.
- If your child is not enrolled in preschool, you should either visit the school yourself or inquire about its transitional programme.
- If you can, spend the weekends exploring the school grounds with your child.
- If you can, visit the school and meet your child's teacher. Inform your youngster that the teachers are there to assist them.
- If you use an after-school programme, be sure to show your kids where it is.
- Make sure your child is aware of the location of your pick-up location.
- Describe the fundamental school regulations and the significance of them. For instance, "If you need to use the loo, ask." If not, the teacher won't be aware of your whereabouts.
Practical initiation of school preparations
Having uniforms, lunchboxes, backpacks, and stationery available is an excellent idea:
- Before the first day of school, have your child try on the uniform and shoes to make sure everything fits. Before the start of the school year, it's a good idea to practise tying laces or buckles on your child's new school shoes.
- Pick a school backpack that your youngster can handle easily. The ideal rucksack has movable straps.
- Pick a drink bottle and lunchbox with an easy-to-open cover. At preschool or while enjoying a picnic lunch at home or in the park, your child can practise using the lunchbox.
- Ensure that your child gets enough wholesome food for both lunch and playtime.
- Check to see whether your child requires any additional supplies for school, such as a cap, art smock, library bag, pencils, markers, crayons and so forth.
- Ensure that your child's name is prominently displayed on all of their belongings, including their lunchbox, water bottle, and school bag.
Managing emotions related to the start of school
Beginning school can be a significant transition for your child, and they may experience some anxiety in addition to excitement. Your youngster may feel more optimistic if you let them know that you believe they will do well in school.
Here are some tips for handling conflicting emotions:
- Make an effort to schedule playdates with other kids before the start of school. If your child already has a friend attending the same school, it may be beneficial.
- Give your kid a lot of love and encouragement. In anticipation of your child starting school, be cheerful and excited. This conveys to your child the good news that school is fun and that they'll manage and enjoy themselves.
- When engaging in routine activities with your youngster, bring up the subject of school if you haven't already. Follow your child's lead, though, as too much discussion of school may make them feel more uneasy.
- With your youngster, read a picture book about starting school. You can encourage your child to express their feelings by reading books about school together. Try Starting school by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker or Starting school by Janet and Allen Ahlberg.
- Try to say farewell to your child as they leave for school with a smile and assurance. Plan something nice for yourself as well, perhaps coffee with a friend. Even if you're depressed or anxious, it can be beneficial to hide these emotions from your kid.
Early weeks of the school year
When school starts, your youngster might need some assistance. Here are some easy actions you may do to make these initial weeks go more smoothly:
- Make an effort to drop off your child at school in the mornings before the bell rings. Likewise, take up your youngster on schedule. Your youngster may feel very nervous if you are late.
- Find strategies to divert your child at school drop-off if they are anxious about being away from you. Try, for instance, meeting a friend at the gate or going to school with a different child and their parents.
- With a snack and some quality time for you and your child to talk, make after-school time a little bit special.
- If your youngster wants to tell you everything about school or shuts down totally, have patience. Instead of asking a lot of questions, consider stating something like, "Tell me one good thing about your day."
- Regarding meals and snacks, be adaptable. After school, your youngster will likely be really hungry. Giving your child a quick, healthy snack after school will help them stay full until supper.
- Do not anticipate making rapid academic advancement. It is truly a success if your youngster is content and appears to be enjoying school. Rest will follow later.
- Keep in mind that it's normal for kids to play with a variety of other kids as well as on their own occasionally. They take some time to form a close circle of pals.
- Speak with your child's classroom teacher if they don't seem to be adjusting well or if they tell you about being teased or bullied.
