Here We go Round the Mulberry Bush

Update 27.4.21

In line with current COVID-19 Scottish Government guidance, it is recognised that although singing should not happen indoors as an organised, large group activity in early years settings, it is still a natural and engaging part of children's learning and play for children at home.

Being able to do things by ourselves helps develop our self-esteem and confidence and will help prepare us for the new routines and expectations of school.

• Practice makes perfect! Use the games and songs on this page to practise self-help skills. When children are having fun they don’t realise they are learning and practising new skills.

• Practise dressing independently – practice one item at a time and when your child can put that item on themselves add another item. Remember to celebrate each success.

• Practise taking off school clothes, putting on gym clothes and putting school clothes on. There is a lot to remember so take your time and ask your child to put the school clothes in a pile so they are easier to put back on. Play a game when your child is in their gym clothes to make the task fun. Remember it is much easier to take your clothes off than to put them on again!

• When your child has a runny nose, encourage them to problem solve:

  • • What do you need to do?

    • Where do you get a tissue?

    • Where do you put the dirty tissue?

• Encourage your child to wash their hands. Do they know when they need to wash their hands e.g. after the toilet, before food, when they have been outside, after they have blown or wiped their nose. With the COVID 19 pandemic, hand washing will be a key part of the daily routine at school.

• Encourage your child to go to the toilet independently remembering to wipe themselves and flush the toilet.

• Getting to school on time can be a difficult task! The more independent and organised your child is the easier it becomes. Be patient and make sure you have enough time so you are not tempted to do everything yourself. Put a check list on the back of the front door – pictures/ words together are best. What do you need for school? e.g., reading bag, packed lunch, water bottle, gym kit, snack…

• Lay out school clothes the night before. Have school shoes and coat ready at the door. Encourage your child to put shoes on the right feet and zip their own coat. When they come home, encourage them to put their coat on a peg and shoes neatly together.

• Over these few last weeks before your child starts school, revisit the previous weeks’ games, songs, stories and videos with your child. Revisit the guidance and information pages. Most of all, be with your child, enjoy your time together and talk and play and have fun!

• Parent Club’s page of frequently asked questions about the reopening of schools can provide you with useful information:

• When your child’s first day arrives even if you are feeling nervous, it’s good to show your child you’re feeling really positive about their first day. Try not to show them your nerves - it might make them feel worried about starting. Give them a hug with a smile on your face and wave bye bye!