TRANSITION TO SCHOOL

Starting school can be quite daunting, overwhelming and not the happy time that we expect for some children. However for some it can be an exciting, positive and joyous time. As an early Childhood Education Centre we look at preparing our children well for the transition to big school, by making it familiar to them and getting to know the routines and the environment. Visits to the school are scheduled at different times and children get to spend time in the classroom environment as well as participate in school activities.

As we engage in activities at the centre that supports independence, which they will be needing once they get to “big school”, we consistently talk to the children about what may happen when they are there. Lunch box days help children to know what to eat at little break and big break. Inviting the local school’s teachers into our classroom allows them to build relationships with the children and gives children a familiar face when they arrive on their first day. 
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However, as much we do in the Centre, it is important that parents begin to prepare their child for school as well. It is important for your child to see you as being calm and in control. Like you have got this! When your child sees you in control and prepared then they will feel less stressed or anxious about starting school. 

Here are some simple steps to help you prepare for the transition to school;

• Visit the school and if possible meet your child’s teacher. Let your child know that teachers are there to help, and they can ask for help any time.
• Show your child around the school before starting showing them where the toilets and office blocks are. It is also good to let them know where you will be picking them up from at the end of the day.
• Explain the basic school rules and why rules are important. For example, ‘If you want to go to the toilet you need to ask. Otherwise the teacher won’t know where you are’
• Talk positively and confidently about starting and attending school
• Speak with your child about the change in their daily routine, how will they get to school, what time they have to get up in the morning and what they will have in their lunch box
• Tell your child about support systems that the school offers e.g. if there is a buddy system where an older child supports your child in their first year of school
• Read books together about starting school. You could try Starting school by Janet and Allen Ahlberg, or Starting school by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker.
• Establish good attendance patterns for your child
• Develop family routines at home to support your child’s learning at school e.g. read with your child each night, help them with any homework etc.
• Think about how you’ll manage your feelings on the first day. Even if you’re feeling sad or worried, it can help to keep these feelings from your child. Instead, try to see your child off with a happy, confident goodbye – and plan something nice for yourself too, like coffee with a friend.

No matter what; this is a big transition for your child. Try to remember to allow your child time to settle in. Avoid overloading your child – when children begin school, they tire easily. It may be worth considering fewer extracurricular activities such as swimming, music or dance lessons, until they adjust to their new routine. If you have any concerns on preparing your child for school please come along and speak with our Directors or Teachers.
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Reference
https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-choosing-starting-moving/starting-school
https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/other-resources/factsheets/transition-to-school/