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Parents and guardians play a significant role in helping children prepare for, and transition to, school. (Australian Institute of Family Studies 2014).
Parents and guardians play a significant role in helping children prepare for, and transition to, school. (Australian Institute of Family Studies 2014).
Young children may have to adjust to several changes when starting Primary School. Some of these changes are physical, such as the size of school buildings and play areas, and the presence of much older children. They may also have to adjust to wearing a uniform, carrying their school bag or packing their own lunch. Other changes are less tangible. For example, children may experience a change in their own role and identity as they shift from ‘child’ to ‘student’ (Lam & Pollard 2006). This may involve changes to rules and procedures, including more structured times for attending class or putting their hand up to speak as well as more structured learning environments.
Suggestions for ways families can support their children during the transition process:
Suggestions for ways families can support their children during the transition process:
School familiarisation:
School familiarisation:
Talking about school with your child. Tell them that school will be fun and that they will make lots of new friends.
Driving past the school
Check out our School Tour videos and search for the BBPS Kindergarten Transition Page on Facebook to see What's happening in Kindy this week...
Practicing School Activities such as:
Practicing School Activities such as:
Trying on school uniform.
Using buttons and ties on skirts/shorts/pants as well as taking jumpers on and off are great things to practice. Check out this link for more info.
Tying shoes
Build your child's confidence by teaching them how to put their shoes on independently. Shoes laces can be super tricky. It's also a good idea, if your child is getting new shoes, that they break them in at home before starting school.
Using a lunch box
Opening and closing zips and clips, as well as small packets can be tricky for little fingers. Have a few practices with your child to build their confidence.
Routines
Starting school can mean starting many different routines. Setting up a good bedtime routine is important. Also, eating time routines can start to be introduced:
Fruit snack at 10.00am
Recess at 11.00am
Lunch at 1.00pm
Build your child's social and emotional competencies
Build your child's social and emotional competencies
Provide opportunities to socialise with other children. One option is to try a local playgroup like the council run 3B's playgroup.
Play games that involve turn taking or sharing.
Talk about feelings with you child. Talk about the names of feelings when your child displays them i.e. I can see you are angry because your face is going red. Try out this Feelings Song.
Practice using the toilet independently (including using a urinal for boys). Opening and closing locks on public toilet doors is also a helpful skill for children to practice before starting school.
Play learning games as a family:
Play learning games as a family:
Remember though, don't pressure your child into reading, writing or counting (that's our job!) Make any learning games fun, family time together.
Build your child's fine motor skills by playing with playdough or constructing with Duplo or Lego.
Read to your child every day. Read them new books, or read their favourite books over and over again!
Play with your child. Let them make up stories and use their imagination. Be part of their world.
Getting to & from School
Getting to & from School
Bus Ride - Will your child be catching the bus in primary school. Familiarise them with the bus system by catching the bus into town one day.
N.B. We recommend that Kindergarten students don't catch the bus in Term 1 unless they have an older sibling or family member to help them.
For more ideas check out the NSW Department of Education 'Getting ready for primary school' booklet (to the right) or Starting Kindergarten web page (link below).
For more ideas check out the NSW Department of Education 'Getting ready for primary school' booklet (to the right) or Starting Kindergarten web page (link below).
getting-ready-for-school.pdfHelping_your_child_with_literacy_and_numeracy_at_home.pdfHelping your child at home
Helping your child at home
Check out the NSW Department of Education How to help your child at home resource. You can also view the DET learning from home resources for parents and carers.
Talk to your child's Early Childhood Educator about completing a Transition to School Statement together.
Talk to your child's Early Childhood Educator about completing a Transition to School Statement together.
T2S-Statement-interactive-form-2018.pdf
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