Ready for School
Starting school is a big step for kids – and parents of course. Kindergarten is a very different setting to pre-school or day care.
There are a number of things parents can consider to help decide if their child is ready for school.
The difference between pre-school and starting at school is vast in many ways. Most kids find school a big change, but cope well, despite being exhausted in the beginning weeks. However, for some children, the gap between pre-school and school is very great and they have trouble coping. The best thing we can do as parents is to be as proactive as possible and help our child be as ready as possible, narrowing the gap.
A child needs many skills and abilities to help her cope with Kindergarten. As parents we focus on skills like counting, knowing the ABC and letter sounds, as well as their fine and gross motor skills. Just as important is your child’s ability to understand and follow directions, say what they need, and feel confident socially. There are many simple things that parents can do to help their child feel ready for school.
In the first term of school
Early nights
Early nights and a regular morning and afternoon routine will help your child adjust to the big change.
Don’t start any new extra-curricular
If your child already has an activity (from the previous year) that she enjoys, like swimming or soccer, it is fine to keep going.
Consider any extra curricular activity
Consider carefully before you schedule any more than one extra curricular activity in term 1. Your child will likely be very tired.
Talk to your child about their day.
If they only say “good,” use a visual cue, like a happy or sad face, to spark discussion. Questions like “What was the best part of your day?” may encourage them to share. If your child doesn’t want to talk in detail, don’t push it; they will open up when ready. Just be available and show genuine interest.
