Every child and parent celebrate the big milestone of starting kindergarten. So how can you and your family prepare for the first few weeks? Below are tips to help you prepare for your kids at Highland park kindergarten.
What can parents do for their children?
● School visit
It can be helpful to take your child to see the school. Your child will feel more confident the first day they arrive at school. This includes showing them where their coat pegs are, where the toilets are, and where the bathroom is located. Talk to your child about the school prospectus and school website if this is not possible.
● Photos
Chat about your school memories by looking through old family photos. Also, you could talk about what is the same or different between school years.
● Routines
Many children are familiar with saying goodbye each morning to their parents. However, even the most confident child can feel a little lost if the routine changes. To get your child comfortable with the school, spend a week before school begins. Establish a routine for bath, bed, story, and getting up. Make sure they eat a nutritious and healthy diet.
● Activities for school
No matter how nervous your child may be about starting school, it’s a great way to get them excited and interested in the activities and lessons they will be learning.
Talk about the things your child enjoys, such as playing with Lego or Playdough and making new friends. Then talk about how much they will be learning to read, write, and count. Next, tell your child how much you enjoyed school, even if it wasn’t. Finally, let your child know how much you enjoyed school and how proud and happy you are that they are willing to do this.
● Books
It can be a great time to read bedtime stories about school starting. Talking about your child’s anxiety, hopes and fears can be a great time. Focus on what they love or excel at, rather than worrying if they seem anxious.
● Removing old favourites
It is worth slowly weaning your child off a favourite toy or blanket so that they don’t get shocked when they learn it won’t be allowed to come with them to school. If this causes major problems, you can talk to your child’s teacher to discuss the possibility of the teacher keeping the blanket or toy during school for any wobbly moments when they are settling in.
Developing Independence
● Dressing/undressing
You can expect at least 25 children in your child’s class. There will also likely be a teacher and an assistant teaching. This means that it is important for kids to dress themselves. Please encourage your child to learn how to put undo buttons, zips, etc. and give them a head start.
● Hygiene and toileting
It is essential that your child use the toilet, wash their hands, and wipe their face before starting school. Talk to an adult about what to do if your child has an accident. For example, talk to the teacher if your child is more likely to do this. You might also consider putting some extra clothes in a bag and leaving them at school. These little gestures can help reassure children. The teacher will be impressed if your child can properly blow their nose, use the tissue bin, and wash their hands afterward.
Check out Nerangs local child care and kindergarten to see if your child can fit in to their system before enrolling them.