If your child is getting ready to take the next big step in their life there are many things you can do to help them prepare, we are talking about starting ‘big school’. A lot of kids refer to it as big school because they go there after nursery or kindergarten.
If your child is approaching school age there are a few things you can do to help them so the change isn’t so scary:
Childcare
If your child hasn’t been in any form of childcare before they venture off to school then it might be a good idea to arrange some sessions with a nursery or a childminder. This way your child learns that it is okay to be away from you as their main caregiver. If you leave it until they go to school they may suffer from anxiety and not understand why they have to be away from you for more than 6 hours. You can find reputable caregivers online or if you ask around your friends they might be able to recommend someone. If you use a childminder or nursery in the area where your little one will be going to school then they may even make friends with children that could be in their class.
Learning the basics of going to school, including how to sit and write or how to utilize their phonics, can be quite beneficial for kids. Your child may be used to playing nonstop, but childcare in narellan provides age-appropriate classroom activities to help your children get used to sitting and learning.
Playdates
Playdates are essential for teaching your child how to play and be social. A lot of parents wonder how to teach social skills to kids, well they have to interact with other children and adults. They can’t learn unless they are put in a situation where they have to learn. Children are great mimickers and copy everything they see and hear. So if they are watching how you socialize then they will reciprocate and do the same thing.
Anywhere that involves playing with or alongside other children will engage their social skills and they will learn many things, such as sharing. Children need these social skills before they go to school, if they lack in social and communication skills then they may struggle with school. However, virtual social emotional learning activities can help if your child is struggling. School is all about making and keeping friendships, it’s your job as a parent to teach your children how to do that.
Reading
Before your child goes to school they don’t need to be reading and writing fluently as that puts excess pressure on your child. They will learn how to do this at school through the use of phonics and watching their peers. However, you can give your child a baseline understanding of how reading and writing work. You can buy phonic flashcards and use them together at home, sounding out the letters and making words with them. For example, og becomes dog or fog.
Another great thing to do with your kids which really sets them up for reading success is singing nursery rhymes. If your child goes to school knowing at least five nursery rhymes off by heart they will turn out to be better readers and develop faster than their peers.
Routine
When your child goes to school they will have to be there every day on time. Now is a great time to get your child into a routine if they are not already in one. Getting up early will take its toll on anyone, especially your small child. If they are used to going to bed late and waking up late this has to change. They can’t do that when it comes to going to school as they will be too tired to function during the school day.
Routine is also important as it gives your child the stability and knowledge on what they are doing and what time of day it is. They are not able to tell the time when they are younger so relying on routine makes them feel safer.
A great little tip is to get your child used to an alarm clock, there are cool ones aimed at young children so you could get them one of those. Getting into a routine now will do wonders when the time comes to go to school.
We hope these four tips are helpful and your little one enjoys their time at school. Make the most of your free time and enjoy a nice peaceful house.
