Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Child for School

Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Child for School

Post supplied by Claire Russell.

Probably one of the biggest milestones of being a parent is that of starting school and with August nearly upon us, mums and dads across the country will be counting down the days until their little one takes this massive next step while wondering nervously how they can help prepare them!

It can be an anxious time for parents (and children) but first and foremost, it’s important not to worry (easier said than done I know). Schools are very good at helping to support children as they transition and will always ensure their needs are met. However, there are a few things parents can do and some good habits they can encourage to help their child feel a little more ready. And I’m not talking about them being able to write their name, or count to ten. It’s a common misconception that the best way to support your child is via academic things but actually preparing them for starting school isn’t about putting pressure on them to learn lots in a short space of time, it’s more about preparing them socially and emotionally.

 

  1. Is your child able to dress themselves? Can they pull their jumper over their head or pop socks on their feet? Can they do the buttons up on their shirt? Can they put their shoes on? Try having a practice. No doubt they’re excited about wearing them and it’s handy for them to get used to dressing themselves because they’ll have to attempt it at school i.e. during PE class or when they need the toilet.

  2. Try to get your child in to the habit of eating independently. Teachers will not be expecting miracles and they will of course still be supported, no one is going to let them starve, but it won’t be the same as their main carer being there to spoon feed them or gee them along! If they don’t already, encourage them to have a go at using cutlery. Invite them to take their plate to the kitchen afterwards too as they may well be expected to clear their lunch trays at school.

  3. Practice independent toileting. Can they wipe their own bum? Can they flush the toilet and wash their hands? Why not create a poster to stick up in the bathroom reminding them of the correct routine – draw around their hands and label each finger: rinse, soap, rub, rinse, dry.

  4. Young children often don’t link cold weather to putting their coat on or taking a layer off when it’s hot. Keep prompting them so again they get into the habit. Likewise, when it comes to drinking! It’s important to stay hydrated.

  5. They are going to be in an environment with lots of other children. Now if they’ve been to nursery or pre-school previously, they may be used to this but if play some games with them, focusing upon sharing and taking turns, following instructions and routines.

  6. Try working on and developing fine motor skills, encouraging them to do little fiddly things (strengthening the muscles used in the pincer grip which will be required to hold a pencil or using tools such a scissors). Practice threading beads onto a string, making small items from playdough, or shredding scraps of paper.

  7. If a child is a little anxious try to notice exactly if they keep asking the same question, it may be that it’s a certain something which is causing them to worry. Even the smallest of things can appear a big deal to them so sit down together, talk through and unpick the matter. Draw a timetable of the school day including pictures as a visual aid i.e. drop off, sit on carpet, have a snack, play, lunch.

  8. Now while it might not be about learning to write their name starting to recognise it can be very helpful because they’re going to be seeing it on their pegs, book bags, PE kit. If you don’t already have one, put a sign on their bedroom door – you could even make it and decorate it yourselves! Just recognising the first letter of their name can be a big help. Why not make it fun by writing it in shaving foam, paint, chalks, playdough, magnetic fridge letters.

  9. If they’re showing an interest in numbers try singing lots of numerical songs i.e. Five Little Ducks Went Swimming One Day; One, Two, Three, Four Five, Once I caught a Fish Alive, as well as counting when you’re out and about. Point out bus numbers, house numbers, numbers around the home – on the oven, on clocks. Count when you climb the stairs, when brushing their teeth. Most importantly, keep it fun. No pressure! Number recognition is handy but not essential. If they don’t know them then it’s absolutely fine because that is what school is for!

  10. Finally, make a habit of reading together regularly. School will be sending home books so encouraging their love of reading now will pay dividends.

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