Prepping for parents and children for back to school
In January thousands of children will make the giant leap from preschool to formal education.
The daunting shift can be overwhelming and a big ask for both parents and children. The little ones who may need to make new friends, settle in their new routines and deal with homework can take a while to adapt into.
Grade 1 teacher at St Martins Preparatory School, Kaylee Randall, recommends that parents should start the conversation with their children about school as soon as possible.
She says, “It’s all in the preparation and parents need to get their minds around the idea of ‘big school’ before stepping up to the task of preparing youngsters.”
Randall says it’s all about building positive expectations and encouragement which plays a significant role.
“Have positive conversations about their new teacher, about learning new things. It’s really important to get a child excited about the first day, and their first experience of what a formal learning environment will be like.”
Randall notes that children should look forward to their first day at school and veer away from separation anxiety, from both child and parent’s perspectives.
“It is a giant leap in letting go for parents, and a huge step for children toward independence,” she adds. “A sense of independence is just as important as positive affirmations before the big day.”
The grade 1 teacher suggests that teaching pre-Grade 1’s to dress themselves, tying their own shoelaces and doing up buttons and zipping up things could go a long way to creating the level of independence and confidence that a child would need as they move into a new learning environment.
“Also responsibilities like packing their own school bags, getting themselves ready before school and creating their own routine,” Randall says these small influences are equally as relevant for children entering Grade Naught.
Her advice for parents on homework, make learning a fun time rather than a “burden” citing that this is an opportunity for parents to be engaged with their children.
“By making learning fun at school and at home, especially at such a young age, it engenders a love and thirst for education that will stand children in good stead later in life. Reading, spelling and numbers can be fun, and it’s such a beautiful part of a child’s journey.”
