Looking for ways to help prepare your child for Back to school?

Promote and actively practice general health and safety practices, as outlined by Toronto Public Health:

• Talk about personal space.

• Wash and sanitize hands properly and frequently for at least 20 seconds.

• Practice respiratory etiquette by coughing or sneezing into the crease of their elbow.

• Blow and wipe their own nose with a tissue and then washing or sanitizing their hands.

• Avoid touching their face, eyes, nose or mouth.

• Washroom routines (i.e., using toilet paper, wiping the seat if necessary, flushing, hand washing, etc.)

• Notice and follow floor markings and posted signage on doors.

Practice fundamental learning skills:

• Read and talk about books/stories you have read.

• Print and identify the letters in their name (first letter should be capitalized).

• Identify letters and sounds in the alphabet (uppercase and lowercase).

• Count and recognize numbers.

• Cut paper using age appropriate scissors.

• Hold writing tools properly (pencils, crayons, markers. etc).

• Remain engaged in a listening activity for at least 10 minutes.

Encourage self-help skills:

• Do up buttons and zippers.

• Dress themselves for outdoors.

• Pack their own backpack.

• Open snack and lunch containers.

• Eat independently.

• Tidy up their toys when they are done playing.

• Ask for help if needed