How to help your child start school confidently
Starting reception is a big step, but it needn’t be scary. DAISY FOX finds out how parents can act now to help prepare their children – and themselves – for a drama-free first day
THE summer is stretching out before us, promising long days playing in the sunshine, family picnics and trips to the park and the seaside.
September seems like a lifetime away, so we roll our eyes at the Back to School ranges already in the supermarkets, bypassing the uniforms and lunch boxes in favour of barbecue fuel and a beach ball.
However you don’t have to wait until the trees show their first signs of autumn gold to prepare for the new term ahead.
Many primary schools will be holding transitioning days this month for youngsters who will start their first year of school in September. Known as Reception or Foundation 2, it has a lot of similarities to nursery, playgroup or home.
It is a continuation of a child’s learning journey, building on the activities that he or she already enjoys such as crafts, construction toys, drawing, singing or make believe.
In fact, children often get so wrapped up in their day-to-day activities at school that they barely notice the seeds of knowledge that are sprinkled in by their teachers – the academia that is sneaking up on them as they learn through play. Before you know it they are reading and writing.
Starting school is both exciting and daunting for children, with a new classroom to explore, different teachers to meet and friends to make. It can be a difficult time for parents too, as everyone adjusts to their new routine. The idea might take a bit of getting used to, but there is plenty you can do over the summer to help prepare your child for the all-important first day.
Here, Pre-school Learning Alliance Quality and Standards Manager Melanie Pilcher, writer of Moving on Up, which focuses on managing transitions in the early years, offers answers to common questions.
Our child has been invited into school for a transition day. Is it important that they attend?
TRANSITION days are really important. They help a child to familiarise themselves with a new
Transition is not a one-off event, it should be seen as a process... Melanie Pilcher, author of Moving On Up
environment and routine and give the teacher a chance to get to know the child and understand their current level of development.
Transition is not a one-off event, it should be seen as a process, so the more transition visits the child has – the better they’ll cope with the change.
What can I do with my child during the holidays to help prepare them for school?
IT’S a good idea to have a chat with your childcare provider to see what sort of things they have been doing to support the transition to school – you can continue with those in the holidays, especially things like sharing books and stories together. Have a read through of your child’s last assessment from your childcare
provider to see what areas they identified where your child needs support.
It’s always great to have new clothing and equipment ready for ‘big school’, but make sure your child has plenty of opportunity to practise with their new lunchbox, flask, coat buttons and shoe laces.
My child has never been to nursery. What can I do to help them mix well with other children?
THINGS like taking turns and sharing are often difficult concepts for young children to grasp so they need plenty of opportunity to play with other children where they can ‘learn the rules’ of social behaviour.
Make the most of opportunities for your child to interact with other children. Invite friends to your house with their kids or visit playbarns or similar venues where children have the opportunity to socialise with each other without adults being directly involved.
Once my child has started school, how can I help them settle in?
REMEMBER this is a new routine for you too, so try to be organised. Your child will pick up on your anxiety if you are running late, or cannot find their book bag in the morning.
Establish a morning routine that includes a quick checklist of everything you’ll need before you leave the house. At home time, talk to your child about their day, but don’t expect too much feedback!
Moving on Up is available now, published by the Pre-School Learning Alliance. See shop.pre-school.org.uk/T201/moving-on-up