Starting School: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Preparing Your Child for School

Starting primary school is a significant milestone for children, and preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Here are some steps to help your child get familiar with the school environment:

Orientation and Familiarization

If your child is at a preschool or early childhood education center with a school transition program, ensure they attend the days when children visit the ‘big school’.
If not, visit the school yourselves or see if the school offers its own transition program.
Explore the school grounds with your child on weekends if possible.
Visit the school and meet your child’s teacher to let them know that teachers are there to help.
Show your child where the after-school care service is, if you’re using it.
Attend school events with your child, like a school assembly or concert.
Make sure your child knows where you’ll be picking them up.

Practical Preparations

Uniforms and Supplies

If your child’s school requires a uniform, have your child to try on the uniform and shoes before school starts. If a dress code is required, go through your child’s clothing with them to help them identify what meets the dress code.
Ensure all necessary school supplies are ready, with your child’s name clearly marked on everything.
Prepare lunch boxes, backpacks, and water bottles in advance.

Managing Stress About School
Starting primary school can be a big change for your child, and they might feel anxious as well as excited. Here are some tips to manage their feelings:

Encouraging Independence
Helping your child develop independence in self-care tasks can assist their transition to primary school. Here are some strategies:
Self-Care Tasks

Practice dressing and undressing.
Teach your child to use the bathroom independently.
Show them how to fold their clothes and keep them organized.
Practice using hand sanitizer and other school-specific skills.

Regular Communication

Attend parent-teacher meetings to stay informed about your child’s progress.
Keep teachers informed about your child’s behavior or health.
Discuss the best method of communication with your child’s teachers, such as face-to-face meetings, online portals, or email.

Managing Separation Anxiety
Gradual Separation

Start by leaving your child with a trusted family member or friend for short periods.
Gradually increase the time you are away.

Positive Goodbyes

Make goodbyes positive and reassuring.

Avoid prolonged goodbyes as they can make separation harder.

Staying Involved
Volunteering

Help out in the classroom or with school events.
Join the parent-teacher association (PTA).
Attend school events and parent-teacher conferences.

Social Emotional Skills
Developing social-emotional skills is crucial for your child’s success in school. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Toileting

Practice using the bathroom independently.
Encourage your child to communicate their needs clearly.

Dressing and Undressing

Teach your child to dress and undress themselves.
Practice zipping their jacket and tying their shoes.

Sharing and Social Skills

Encourage your child to share toys and take turns.
Role-play different social scenarios to help them understand appropriate behavior.

Additional Tips

Morning Routine

Establish a consistent morning routine a couple of weeks before school starts.
Practice the school route with your child so they learn where the school is in relation to home.

Bedtime Routine

Create a bedtime routine to ensure your child gets good-quality sleep.
Encourage your child to wind down and relax before bed.

Encouraging Learning

Incorporate learning into your day-to-day activities.
Read for pleasure in front of your child and discuss what you’re reading.
Encourage conversations with your child to build their vocabulary and pre-reading skills.

By following these steps, you can help your child feel more prepared and confident as they start primary school.

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