The best way for your child to prepare for school is to practice being independent. 

• Attend to personal toileting needs – teachers do not help with this in any way (wiping, flushing, getting dressed after)

• Getting dressed (putting on jackets, shoes, pants, socks, zippers, winter items)

  • See the video for a good trick to put on jackets and sweaters

• Opening their lunch box and containers (have a picnic this summer to use their lunch box)

• Packing their own backpack

Don't worry too much about things your child should "know" before coming to school. We will learn about number facts and letter sounds together. However if you do want some things to practice this summer. 

• • Recognize their first name. This skill will be needed all the time in the classroom, and there may be other children whose names start with the same letter.

  • Plan a playdate with a similar aged friend over the summer to give your child a chance to share toys and interact with other peers.

  • Listen to and follow instructions (try games like red light green light or simon says).

  • Practice stopping and listening to adults (practice saying "hands on top" and your child stops playing to say "that means stop" and they look at you for instructions).

  • Read to your child and talk together about what you are reading. 

  • Develop fine motor skills by colouring, painting, cutting with scissors, using glue, etc.

  • Put away their own toys and equipment.

  • Printing their name (if ready).

• If your child is not used to being away from family members, it is important to start leaving him/her with people you trust, in ways that the child is comfortable with. We want the first day you leave your child at school to be a wonderful one, not a frightening experience.

• If your child does not attend daycare/preschool try putting him/her in a summer camp, playgroup, or similar program during the summer to help them get used to being in a structured environment with a group of other children.

  • Check out your local library for any kids programs they have available Sunnyside Public Library Kids Programs 

• Talk to your child about your own exciting experiences in school when you were young. 

• Visit the playground at the school.  Perhaps you could have a picnic so that this becomes a familiar place.

• If your child will be taking the bus to school, walk to the bus stop.  Remind your child to stay in the middle of the sidewalk until the bus has stopped and the door is opened.  Remind your child to always stay seated except when getting on and off the bus, and to talk quietly while on the bus. 

• Look on the ottawaschoolbus.ca website during the summer to find out when the August bus safety sessions will be held so you can take your child to one. You can also find out your child’s route information on this site at the end of August.

• Visit your family doctor, clinic to get required immunizations, complete health examination, speech, hearing, and vision test.

• If your child’s speech is not clearly understood by people outside the family (in the child’s first language), take him or her to a First Words screening clinic right away so that you can get treatment before your child is too old. Do not wait for the beginning of JK, as your child may be too old to get service by this time. You can find more information, including when and where the screening clinics are held at firstwords.ca.