As a parent, watching your child grow is one of the most rewarding yet terrifying experiences you will go through in your life. This is due to the fact that one moment they are a tiny baby who you can hold in your arms, the next they are running through the door ready to start school – leaving you wondering if time has always gone so quickly.
However, while starting school for the first time can be incredibly exciting for your child, it can also be a time of great uncertainty. This is due to the fact that they will be experiencing a lot of new things for the first time – whether that’s being away from home for several hours, meeting people their own age, or adapting to a classroom environment. Therefore, it’s important that you take certain steps to support your child’s learning by helping them prepare to start school with confidence and ease.
With that in mind, here are some top tips to get you started.
Talk To Them about School Ahead of Time
One way in which you can help your child prepare for starting school is by bringing it up in regular conversation and telling them about all of the exciting things that happen there. Focus on the positives, such as the fact that they get to learn about new and exciting things, and make new friends. You could also read some books or watch a tv show about starting school to give them a better idea of what to expect.
Visit The School Ahead of Time
When signing your child up for school, keep an eye out for open days and be sure to bring your child along where possible. This will make their ‘first day’ seem less scary as they already know what the classroom is like, and may have already met their teacher. This is useful as children crave familiarity, and it can make the new environment seem less stressful.
Sign Them Up For Preschool
Another way in which you can help your child prepare to enter the world of education is by enrolling them at a local preschool or infant center. This is due to the fact that their days are structured similarly to a school day, giving your child an idea of what to expect. This could be particularly important for children who find it hard to focus or get distracted easily. It also gives them a chance to develop communication skills and begin to form relationships with other children their age – meaning they will be less shy when starting school.
Find Ways to Get Them Excited About Learning Ahead of Time
Another way in which you can help your child prepare for school is by getting them excited about learning. You could even try to teach them a few things ahead of time, such as basic maths and reading skills so that they feel confident when they enter the classroom. Furthemore, you should spend some time each day talking about what they did in class, helping them with their homework, or simply telling them how proud of them you are.