Once you’ve decided which school you would like your child to attend, the next step is enrolment and preparing for this new phase in your child’s life.
Staring school is the first BIG occasion in your child’s life so its important to make them feel relaxed about the first day.
If you have already enrolled your child in the school of your choice , he or she may have already participated in the “introduction to school ” program most schools have in place these days. These programs are designed to ease children into the new routines of school life and allay any fears or concerns children may imagine they will have to face.
If not , visit the school together so your child is familiar with the grounds, including the drink taps, toilets and classroom.
Visit the school when the other children are there so your child can get used to the noise of the playground and the size of the ‘big’ students.
On the first day you will meet your child’s teacher together .It’s important for you to remain relaxed about the whole process..Most little children seem to have in built radar which pick up on any negative body language from you very quickly.
Try not to let your child know about any worries you might have. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to other parents about how they handle this problem.
Also show your child where the after-school care facilities are, if needed.
If you show your child that you think he can manage at school, he will start to believe it too.
These handy hints will also help a smooth transition to school life.
- Get your child to try on the uniform and shoes before the first day, just to make sure everything fits.
- Make sure your child has all the extras. Remember – bag, hat, art smock, library bag and so on.
- It will help if your child knows another child from class before school starts. Try to organise play dates with other children before the first day of school.
- Explain the basic school rules, such as putting up your hand, asking before going to the toilet, listening quietly when necessary, and doing what the teacher asks.
- Have a practice run with the lunch box to make sure your child can take off the lid (perhaps before buying the box).
- Give your child lots of love and support. Be excited and enthusiastic about your child starting schoool
- Pick your child up on time. If you’re late it could make your child feel very anxious.
- Try to make after-school time a bit special, with a snack and time for the two of you to chat.
- Your child might want to blurt out every little detail about school, or clam up completely. Either way, be patient and respect your child’s response to this new experience.
- Your child will probably be famished after school. School is a hungry business! Your child might want to snack after school and miss normal dinner.
- Your child might be grumpy and tired for the first few weeks, especially in hot weather. You could try keeping your child quiet at home and aim for early bedtimes for the first few weeks.
- Don’t expect too much too soon. If your child is happy and seems to be enjoying school, that’s a real achievement. The rest will come later.
- If your child doesn’t seem to be settling well speak to the teacher.The teacher will be able to give you a different perspective on social ,emotional and academic concerns you see.
- Look on the teacher as a partner in the process of the education of your child. You were your child’s first teacher and now it is time to include an educational partner into the process . You are in this together and it is important to develop a good relationship with your child’s teacher from day one. Good Luck !!!
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