A little advance preparation can make a real difference and the first week a lot easier (above, an excited Minnie on her first day in September 2014). You know you child best so tailor these strategies to suit you and your child, as you prepare for the big day.
Practice going to School
Why not try a few practice runs to help, point out interesting sights or
places familiar to your child. Notice the swings, slides, or other fun
stuff that your think your child will like — and try them out together.
Describe what will happen on the first day
Keep in mind that a child starting school for the first time or going to a
new school may have a hard time imagining what it will be like (You’ve
been to school before, but they haven’t) They are likely to find the
move from daunting. “Talking about the basic sequence of the day will
help your child make a mental movie of what to expect. Children form
pictures in their minds, and reviewing the process in detail will make
things more familiar and less scary on the first day of school.” advises
Diane Levin, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Wheelock College.
Ask your child compelling questions
Specific questions will help your child imagine what school will be like
and help you talk about the fun stuff, think about what they are likely
to enjoy and the hard stuff. You might ask:
“Is there anything that worries you about starting school?”
“What are you really looking forward to?”
Learn about the school drop-off policy
Find out about the policy for parents walking children into the
classroom and how long you can stay. If you anticipate that your child
will need extra time to adjust, talk to the teacher before school starts,
if you can.
Give children control over what they can control.
Offering simple choices may help calm nerves and encourage children
to be excited. For example, if you pick out a new backpack or
lunchbox, let your child choose the colour. If you shop for school
supplies, let your child find the items in the store and check them off
on your list. The day before school starts let your child choose clothes
for the first day — maybe consider rewarding.
Plan ahead how you will say goodbye
Think about what your child needs in a goodbye. What will be most
helpful — a quick goodbye, or five minutes of cuddle time with you?
If your child finds separation really hard perhaps consider a keep sake
they can put in their bag or a photo of mummy or daddy to keep in
their bag.
Read books about starting school.
Whether you’re going to a new school, class or setting, books about it
will get children talking and feeling comfortable. Your Local Children
Centre and Library will have a good selection you can borrow.
Practice putting on school clothes,
For children getting changed for PE can be a little daunting, so
practicing putting on socks and plimsolls, taking off jumpers and
putting them back on, practice doing up trousers and summer dresses.
Choose clothes with simple easy fastenings!
Expectations when a child starts school
We have worked with your local schools to put together a list of general
tips and things to practice with your child in the weeks leading up to
them starting. If any of them give you cause for concern then do get in
touch with your school to talk about them.
Independence Skills
Can go to the toilet independently (can wipe their own bottom!)
Knows to wash their hands after going to the toilet
Can blow and wipe their own nose
Can dress independently with strategies for coping when jumpers
are inside out etc.
Can do up their own coat and shoes
Can change into shorts and t-shirt and put on plimsolls and
wellies
Can hang a coat on a peg
Familiar with being responsible for their own belongings
Familiar with leaving parent/carer
Can manage the food you put in their lunch box within reason
Social Skills
Can listen for a sustained period i.e. to a story or as part of a
show and tell circle
Maintains attention, concentrates and sits quietly for certain
activities
Familiar with following routines and keeping to boundaries
Willing to speak to others about needs and wants
Familiar with taking turns and sharing
Able to tidy up after an activity
Can follow simple instructions
Physical skills
Has experienced plenty of opportunities for development of gross
and fine motor skills in preparation for holding a pencil at school
Can run, jump, skip and hop
Dressing and self-care skills as above.