Are you looking for tips to help prepare your child for starting primary school
Tips to help prepare your child for starting primary school
The first day of primary school is a momentous occasion. But with unfamiliar faces, an upheaval in routine and a new environment to contend with, starting school can be daunting for children, as well as being exciting.
From trying on uniform to choosing a school bag, M&S shares six helpful steps to prepare your child ahead of their big day in September.
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Involve your child in buying school supplies
Getting your child involved in shopping for school supplies can help get them excited about school life. Take your child to try on and buy their school uniform. Wearing their school colours can start to develop a sense of belonging.
Allowing your child the autonomy to pick out a school bag is the perfect opportunity to create a buzz. With eye-catching colours and favourite characters such as Disney Princesses and superheroes, your little one can choose a design that represents them.
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Practice packing their school bag
Familiarise your child with the routine of packing their school bag. This will help them to recognise their belongings and form an emotional connection with them. Explaining what each item is for will also help them grasp what the school day will involve.
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Communicate positively about school
Try to make your child’s school a topic of daily conversation in the months or weeks leading up to their first day. Most schools offer introductory days but if yours doesn’t, take your little one to see their school building. Talk about their future teacher with them, as well as discussing how their timetable might look.
This is also a good opportunity to discuss communication with your child. For many children, asking an adult for help can be intimidating. Letting them know the words or questions they can ask their teacher can help them to feel more confident.
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Rehearse the school run
The school run is going to form an integral part of your family’s daily routine. Making time over the summer holidays to trace this route can be beneficial. Not only can it help your child to get excited about starting school and make their first day less of an unknown, but it can also help you to understand how long the journey will take – especially with little legs.
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Introduce playdates away from you
For many children, being separated from parents is the most unsettling part about starting school. Arranging playdates with friends or family over the summer can help to familiarise them with the idea of being away from you.
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Get them confident in practical skills
Dedicate time to teaching your child how to change in and out of their school uniform and PE kit independently. Start with undressing as they tend to find that simpler. You might also want to encourage your child to sit down as this can help with balance. Shoes can be a particular struggle, so practice makes perfect
Have you got any tips to help prepare your child for starting primary school to add?
Thanks to M&S for this useful post
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