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Making A Smooth Transition To Big
School
As part of Kidi Kingdom's ongoing
commitment to our families we have provided some valuable
information to assist you in supporting your child in the
transition to prep and big school.
Starting prep and primary school
is a bit like discovering play dough - it's a big event in your
child's life. And whether your little learner is raring to go,
or slightly reticent, there are many ways that you can help them
prepare for life in the classroom.
Transition into
Prep Program
Kidi Kingdom Child Care
Centres offer an exclusive Transition
Into
Prep program only available at
our education and care centres. Transition to prep is an
exciting but complex process. It contains a number of steps and
processes and involves decisions and outcomes that can greatly
influence the child starting school successfully.
Transition to prep is an exciting
but complex process. It contains a number of steps and processes
and involves decisions and outcomes that can greatly influence
the child starting school successfully.
How
to Prepare your Child Throughout the Year
In the months before your child starts school, focus on the two
P's - Positivity and Preparedness. To do this:
-
Talk about school. Ask your child what they think
about starting school and whether they have any questions.
See if friends and other families have positive anecdotes
about school.
-
Keep your child healthy. Make sure their vaccinations
are up-to-date and that they have regular dental and health
check-ups in the year before starting school.
-
Promote independence. Encourage your child to do
things on their own, like getting dressed, going to the
toilet, washing their hands and grappling with their
lunchbox and drink bottle.
-
Get involved. Attend any transition-to-school
programs offered by your child's current early childhood
service and/or future school. Find out the school's hours
and where to take your child on their first day.
-
Nurture their learning and development. Ask educators
how you can help your child learn and develop at home and
once they're at school.
How to Prepare
your Child over the Holidays
In between making
sandcastles and visiting the grandparents, the holidays are also
a great time to get ready for the start of term.
How to Prepare your Child
Throughout the Year
In the months before
your child starts school, focus on the two P's - Positivity and
Preparedness. To do this:
-
Talk about school. Ask your child what they think
about starting school and whether they have any questions.
See if friends and other families have positive anecdotes
about school.
-
Keep your child healthy. Make sure their vaccinations
are up-to-date and that they have regular dental and health
check-ups in the year before starting school.
-
Promote independence. Encourage your child to do
things on their own, like getting dressed, going to the
toilet, washing their hands and grappling with their
lunchbox and drink bottle.
-
Get involved. Attend any transition-to-school
programs offered by your child's current early childhood
service and/or future school. Find out the school's hours
and where to take your child on their first day.
-
Nurture their learning and development. Ask educators
how you can help your child learn and develop at home and
once they're at school.
How to Prepare
your Child over the Holidays
In between making
sandcastles and visiting the grandparents, the holidays are also
a great time to get ready for the start of term.
-
Do a practice (school) run. Show your child where
their new school is and explain how you'll get there. Go
through their before and after school arrangements, purchase
any school supplies and practise getting ready for school,
i.e. packing their bag.
-
Find a fellow schoolmate. Arrange play dates with
other kids who'll be going to your child's school. There's
nothing like a friendly face on their first day.
-
Read books. There are lots of great books about
starting school, so visit the library or bookshop and look
for titles like Starting School by Jane Godwin, First Day by
Andrew Daddo and One Keen Koala by Margaret Wild and Bruce
Whatley.
Be Positive! Share in
your child's excitement and, if they're a wee bit apprehensive,
help them think about the up sides of starting school.
Final Preparations
When there's just one more sleep (or no more sleeps) until your
child's first day, focus on getting everything organised in a
cool, calm and collected manner.
-
The night before, help your child get their clothes,
hat, shoes and socks ready. Make sure they know who's taking
them to school and who's picking them up.
-
In the morning, try to avoid the morning rush. Help
your child pack their bag (including spare underwear and a
change of clothes for any accidents) and put on sunscreen if
necessary. Once at school, show your child where they'll be
met when the home bell rings.
-
After school, ask your child what happened during the
day and congratulate them on completing their first day at
big school!
A Quick Recap
In summary, parents can prepare children for school by:
-
Talking about school and listening to their thoughts
-
Encouraging independence
-
Explaining practical arrangements and doing 'dry runs'
-
Familiarising them with school via transition-to-school
programs and books
-
Being positive
Here
are three child care reminders for the year's end:
-
Enrol or re-enrol in childcare for January
- Ensure your child's immunisations are up-to-date
- Contact Kidi Kingdom to secure your child's enrolment
for the new year
Enrol Now! Vacancies are Limited for 2019! |
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