Starting School ,Preparing your child for school.
Whether its is because children start school to early
, some have just turned 4 when they start school or whether parents or nursery
are not preparing children for school. Many are coming to school nowadays
without basic skills.
• They
can not dress themselves.
• They
can not cut up their own food.
• They
don't know when to ask for help by putting up their hand.
• They
have no manners.
You need to prepare your child for school in
conjunction with your nursery or any one else involved in your child's
care.
• Visit
the nursery or school with your child to give them an opportunity to see what
the class does.
• Explain
what will happen during the school day ,: play at school children will love
being the teacher!.
• Read
books about starting school.
Reinforce the activities that your child interests and
the things they will enjoy " there's be lots of duplo to play with- you
love building" or "There's a teddy you can take on holiday!."
Talk about the fun activities you already do at home
that will be replicated in school such as painting,drawing,craft activities
story time etc.
Before there first day.... well before their first day
that is. You might want to check a few things with the school.
• What's
the typical school day.
• Toilet
trained our child where possible- though not a problem if your child has
learning delays etc as school will have an intimate care plan in place.
And these tips are the ones that will make your life,
your child life much easier at school as it is often the little things that
upset them such as not being able to put on their own coat.
• Try
and mimic the timings of the school day where possible "Oh Look it's 12 o'
clock the children at school are having their lunch now."
• Practice
doing up buttons and fastening shoes.... Velcro is ideal but as they get older
laces are ideal especially as by the time they get to senior school : Velcros
trainers really are not cool.
•
•
• Practise
social skills, such as taking turns, following directions and making choices
• Visit
friends with children or invite other children to play
• Teach
simple jobs that may be useful at school, such as packing away toys. The
teacher doesn't want to break their neck on a stray sheep now do they?
•
• Help
your child to recognise his name - most children can't read or write yet, but
they may be able to recognise the first letter of their name or even the whole
thing
Remember, all these activities should be fun - it's
important not to pressurise your child. If you're making your child in the
least bit anxious, stop talking about it quite so much.