07/01/2024
SCHOOL READINESS // how to support your child’s school transition
Happy new year! It might feel like school holidays have just started (or maybe you’re ready for your little ones to return now).. either way, somehow we have arrived in 2024 🤯 and for most children, it is a great idea to start preparing for the new school year.
Whether your child is starting school or returning, here are some of our key ideas to support school preparation:
🗣️Talk about school regularly: who is their teacher, peers in their class, what might the classroom look like, where will they put away their bag, where are the toilets, where might they like to play? Your child’s school might have provided you with a story or some images with some of these prompts- read these frequently (if they haven’t, sometimes you can look on the school website for some pictures, or walk around the school to keep up the familiarity).
🎭Act out school routines in play! You can even play dress ups with uniforms, have picnic dates with school lunchboxes and practice activities they do at school like writing and crafts. Keep it fun and follow your child’s lead. Your child might love role reversal, where they are the teacher and you are the student.
⏰Keep routines as consistent and close to the school life as possible (particularly in the weeks leading up to returning).
💌Some children find it tricky having to say goodbye to one teacher and build a relationship with a new one. Keep in mind that they may need some additional reassurance and support before and after school until they are comfortable with their new teacher. You can chat through what to expect with their new teacher and ways you will be there to support them once they are in their new class. Working with a trusted professional/education team can help facilitate this advocacy work so the new educators can make accomodations as needed.
How else do you prepare your child to get ready for school?
