4 ways to prepare your child for school
The first day of school is an exciting time. New backpacks, new teachers, catching up with friends — there is so much to be excited about when it comes to starting a new school year. But the beginning of school can be stressful, too. Here are four ways you can support your child in the lead-up to the new school year.
Routines
There are so many great things about summer holidays. Typically families spend more time together, meaning many of childrens’ most enduring memories are made during school holidays. Children have more freedom, a break from most extra curricular activities, more access to ice cream and later bedtimes.
Starting school can be a bit of a shock to the system. That’s why we recommend starting to prepare a week or so before the big day. Getting back into regular routines, from organising their clothes for the next day to instituting regular bedtimes again, can be an easy way to prepare kids gradually.
Talk it out
For students of any age, it’s a good idea to have a conversation about how they’re feeling about going back to (or starting) school. From friend trouble to learning woes, children can understandably carry quite a lot of anxiety about school. Not to mention that the changes that come with a new school year can be a difficult adjustment for all of us, children and adults alike. There are a few key questions that you can ask your children to help work out how they’re feeling:
What was your favourite thing about last year?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Is there anything you’re feeling nervous about?
What are you looking forward to the most?
These simple questions will open the lines of communication with your child; letting them know that it’s totally normal to feel excited and nervous about the first day of school.
Stationery
Shopping for stationery is a rite of passage that many kids look forward to at the end of the summer. To help your child feel ownership for their gear, include them in the decision making when it comes to shopping for stationery. The simple act of choosing a pencil case that they love or a special pair of scissors can make them feel more connected to the idea of going to school.
Many schools ask parents to label their childrens’ belongings — but there’s no reason why kids can’t be involved in this process! Whether you’ve had labels printed or you’re doing the job with a permanent marker, getting your child involved in labelling is a fun way to give them a sense of ownership over their things.
Goals
While many parents see goal setting as an activity for older students, children as young as Pre-Primary can set goals for the upcoming school year. Goals can be as simple as “I’m going to be kind every day,” “I’m going to speak up at Parliament,” or “I’m going to help my friends when they’re stuck”.
For older students, goals might be more rigorous — “I’m going to read one non-fiction book each month,” “I’m going to raise money to support an endangered species,” or “I’m going to focus on communicating my needs clearly this year”. Setting tangible, achievable goals with your child is a great way to make them feel excited about the new school year.
We can’t wait!
Everyone at school is so excited to see our students back for the 2021 school year. The school adults are working hard to make sure everything is ready to welcome our beautiful students back. Nick, our brand new principal, is learning the ropes and is excited about meeting our kids. Just a reminder, 1 February is the first day for Pre-primary to Year Six. And we’ll welcome our Kindies for their first day on 8 February. See you soon!
