Starting School
Photo courtesy of Ben White (Unsplash)
For every child, starting school can be a daunting experience regardless of age, but as they get older the transition usually becomes easier. There are a number of things you can do to make the transition that much easier for them:
Read books
Books can be a great introduction to the concept of starting school. Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Harry and the Dinosaurs Go To School by Ian Whiybrow and Adrian Reynolds, and Boris Starts School by Carrie Weston and Tim Warnes are to name but a few of the books already out there.
Role play
Playing teachers with teddies and dolls as the students is always fun. Encourage your child to explore both roles, and try to follow the ‘school day’ as closely as possible, i.e. lining up at the imaginary school door, registration, teaching time, play time and home time.
Meet the teacher
A familiar face is always more comforting for a child than a total stranger, so take advantage of any opportunities you have to meet the teacher face-to-face.
Try to set up playdates with the children in the class
If you can, try to network with the mothers of the other new children so your child can get to know their class mates a little better. The relaxed atmosphere of a casual play date in the park will allow your child to familiarise themselves with new children, at their own pace and in their own way.
Photo courtesy of Jerry Wang (Unsplash)
Explain the routine at school
Knowing what will happen and when provides children with a sense of stability because they will know what to expect.
Get them used to a new routine at home (i.e. getting them to bed at a reasonable time, getting up and ready early, etc.)
Starting the day on the right foot is very important, so make sure your child is used to the new weekday routine of no naps during the day, early bed time and early breakfast to ensure you are out of the door stress-free and in good time.
Visit the school
On school open days try to see as much of the school as you can. As well as being familiar with the new people who will be around them, being familiar with the school premises will also help ease their anxiety on their first day.
Stay positive and realistic
Don’t tell them they are bound to make lots of new friends on their first day because they probably won’t! Instead, if they seem anxious tell them they will be okay and that you are not far away if they need you. Inside you may be a bag of nerves but remain calm and confident and this will rub off on your child.
The School Drop-Off
Establish a goodbye routine
Whether it’s ‘See you later, Alligator............In a while, Crocodile,’ or a simple two hugs and a kiss, establish a goodbye routine that you can share with your child each morning, but do not linger.
Let them take a comfort toy
If it your child is particularly anxious, let them take a comfort toy or something that will remind them of home, to give them a sense of security to see them through the day.
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Don’t sneak away
Tempting as it may be, you are not doing your child a favour by sneaking away. To your child you have just suddenly disappeared and this can be a very scary thing for them when they are already unsure.
Don’t make comparisons
Telling a child their big brother, or Sally over there, didn’t get upset or scared when they started school only invalidates their feelings. Acknowledge an understanding of how they might be feeling but express your confidence that they will be okay.
Remind them you’re coming back
Reminding your child you will be coming back for them at the end of the school day will give them the reassurance they need to let you go. You could even reward them with a sticker chart for each day they go in ‘like a big boy/girl’ or a trip to the park after you have picked them up. Most importantly, do not be late in picking them up!