Getting ready for first day of kindy
Before starting school, teach them some playground hopscotch games like and handball Kimberley O’Brien
GETTING used to classroom rules, making friends, understanding the complexities of playground etiquette and learning about online stranger danger are just some of the important lessons Kindy kids will have to get to grips with in their first year.
Experts say parents can do a lot to help their child by preparing them in advance of school starting.
The Quirky Kid Clinic CEO and child psychologist Kimberley O’Brien said it’s best to start that transition to school at the age of four.
“Talk about school, meet the teacher, see if there is a buddy system,” she said. “Let them wear their uniform in advance to get used to it.”
It comes as News Corp launches a multi-day deep dive into the key age brackets – both scholastically and emotionally – to help prepare kids and parents for school.
Dr O’Brien also warned that children who suffered separation anxiety when they were aged two are more likely to struggle in the two big school transition years, Kindy and Year 7, and may need more time to get used to the change.
Kids First Children’s Services Founder Sonja Walker, has a digital school readiness kit to help prepare kids for Kindy, packed with helpful hints for parents.
“Before starting school, teach them some playground games like hopscotch and handball,” she said.
“Help them learn how to win and lose, which is very important in the playground.”
Ms Walker warned parents can become obsessed about whether their child has friends, but they should not interrogate them when they come home from school.
“At this age children are
more interested in the game than who is playing, often they don’t know their names,” she said. “All the questions can be stressful.”
She added that signs a child may be overwhelmed include problems sleeping, tantrums, withdrawing and lack of appetite.
“Parents need to make sure they have realistic expectations of what a child can manage at this age, especially with after school activities.”
Meanwhile, The Cyber Safety Lady, Leonie Smith, who advises parents on how to manage their children’s online life, said Kindy was the time to set down strict rules around internet use.
She said kids should not have their own devices or be online by themselves without an adult sitting next to them.
Children should ask for permission to use a device or to download an app and they need to be taught about online stranger danger.
“Self-produced child abuse material, where a child is asked to take a photo or video of themselves, is a growing issue and young children are often targeted,” she said.
Kindergarten in Queensland does not return for another two weeks.