starting school
Starting school, be it Kindergarten or Prep…there are so many different feelings and emotions are often wrapped up in this phase of early childhood education. Often nerves and excitement for parents, children and educators alike, as the children settle in to a new environment, an unfamiliar routine, understanding new expectations and learning to make new friends with unacquainted peers.
“When children begin school they are, in some ways, moving away from the world of parent and family and into the world of children. It is a big step on the pathway towards growing up, and most children look forward to it” (Connor & Linke, 2008). This statement gives privy to just how different this next stage of children’s learning is and the environment that it takes place in. However there are many practical steps that parents/caregivers can take to ensure this transition into schooling goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are some ideas from a story written by one of Trinity Anglican School’s Preparatory Teachers Mrs Amanda Lade (her explanations are located in brackets).
My First Day at School
By Billy
I put my new uniform on and we took photos.
(Treasure this time.You will look back at these photos and so will they).
Mummy said, “See you at the end of the day.”
(Saying goodbye to each other is hard for all of you.Be positive and if necessary make it quick!)
I helped the teacher put the paints out.
(Teaching your child to help with routines helps to get them ready for school.Also using pencils, brushes and crayons gives the children opportunity to develop fine motor skills).
I sneezed at school and had to blow my nose.My teacher said that I did a great job!
(Hygiene prevents illnesses being spread around the classroom.Teaching children to cover their mouth with their hand when coughing or sneezing into their elbow are great skills for them to learn).
I made a new friend.We played a game together.
(Learning to work and play with others is important.Children learn to share and cooperate with one another.They also learn rights, responsibilities, rules and consequences during this process).
I went to the toilet.I remembered to wash my hands.
(It is important that children are taught how to use a toilet before going to school.Also, the hygiene practices that go along with this practice such as washing your hands with soap).
I ate my lunch with my new friend.We didn’t have nuts in our lunch boxes.I unwrapped my sandwiches all by myself.
(Most schools are nut free zones; therefore a child’s lunch must be also.It is important to have their lunch packaged/wrapped so that the child can open it.Also if your child takes an esky to school please ensure there is an ice block to keep it cold).
I got changed to go swimming.This was fun!My teacher helped me put my socks on when we got back.
(Ensure that your child has appropriate swimming gear.They also need to be familiar with changing and unchanging, particularly buttons and socks.Laces are much harder for them to handle independently).
I couldn’t find my jumper.My teacher found it for me!She said that she knew it was mine because it had my name on it!
(Label everything – this is especially handy when it comes to a swimming day!Bags and eskys can all look the same so try to use a special tag to help them stand out).
Mummy picked me up from school.My teacher talked to her about my first day.I think I had a wonderful day!
(Give your child time to talk about their day.Although, they may not want to straight away).
When I got home my family sat down with me and we read a story together.I told them about my new friend.
(Reading to your child is invaluable.Special time together each day is important, as this is when they might share things with you).
“When children begin school they are, in some ways, moving away from the world of parent and family and into the world of children. It is a big step on the pathway towards growing up, and most children look forward to it” (Connor & Linke, 2008). This statement gives privy to just how different this next stage of children’s learning is and the environment that it takes place in. However there are many practical steps that parents/caregivers can take to ensure this transition into schooling goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are some ideas from a story written by one of Trinity Anglican School’s Preparatory Teachers Mrs Amanda Lade (her explanations are located in brackets).
My First Day at School
By Billy
I put my new uniform on and we took photos.
(Treasure this time.You will look back at these photos and so will they).
Mummy said, “See you at the end of the day.”
(Saying goodbye to each other is hard for all of you.Be positive and if necessary make it quick!)
I helped the teacher put the paints out.
(Teaching your child to help with routines helps to get them ready for school.Also using pencils, brushes and crayons gives the children opportunity to develop fine motor skills).
I sneezed at school and had to blow my nose.My teacher said that I did a great job!
(Hygiene prevents illnesses being spread around the classroom.Teaching children to cover their mouth with their hand when coughing or sneezing into their elbow are great skills for them to learn).
I made a new friend.We played a game together.
(Learning to work and play with others is important.Children learn to share and cooperate with one another.They also learn rights, responsibilities, rules and consequences during this process).
I went to the toilet.I remembered to wash my hands.
(It is important that children are taught how to use a toilet before going to school.Also, the hygiene practices that go along with this practice such as washing your hands with soap).
I ate my lunch with my new friend.We didn’t have nuts in our lunch boxes.I unwrapped my sandwiches all by myself.
(Most schools are nut free zones; therefore a child’s lunch must be also.It is important to have their lunch packaged/wrapped so that the child can open it.Also if your child takes an esky to school please ensure there is an ice block to keep it cold).
I got changed to go swimming.This was fun!My teacher helped me put my socks on when we got back.
(Ensure that your child has appropriate swimming gear.They also need to be familiar with changing and unchanging, particularly buttons and socks.Laces are much harder for them to handle independently).
I couldn’t find my jumper.My teacher found it for me!She said that she knew it was mine because it had my name on it!
(Label everything – this is especially handy when it comes to a swimming day!Bags and eskys can all look the same so try to use a special tag to help them stand out).
Mummy picked me up from school.My teacher talked to her about my first day.I think I had a wonderful day!
(Give your child time to talk about their day.Although, they may not want to straight away).
When I got home my family sat down with me and we read a story together.I told them about my new friend.
(Reading to your child is invaluable.Special time together each day is important, as this is when they might share things with you).