ELC News

Lyn Pewtress, Director of the ELC

Preparing for school

This week, I attended a wonderful Prep Parent Information Night presented by Lucas Collins, Head of Junior School, and the Prep team. I was reminded of the many skills young children need to confidently begin their school journey.

Many of our Pre-Prep Magenta and Magnolia students have attended or are soon due to attend their school orientation sessions. These visits provide valuable opportunities for educators to learn about each student and for the children to meet teaching staff and connect with peers who will be starting school alongside them.

Our ELC children are eagerly looking forward to their transition. While excited, they may also feel a little apprehensive about this next step in their learning journey.

There are several things we can do for the children to assist them with a smooth transition to school. I have listed below a few suggestions: 

• Additional visits to the school – When available, school visits can help prepare your child for a new environment and daily routines. For example, children might watch a sports lesson or school assembly, or simply take a walk around the school over the weekend.
• Playdates – Arranging playdates with potential school friends over the summer holiday period can be very beneficial. Supportive relationships with other families and children take time to develop but are worth the effort in the long term. Some classes may even create a WhatsApp group to facilitate connections.
• Community activities – Encourage your child to socialise within your local community by attending playgroups, story-time sessions at the library, or other similar activities.
• Talking with your child – Having positive discussions about starting school is a great start. Children may find it hard to think ahead in terms of weeks or months, so using a calendar to count down the days until school starts can help them understand the passage of time.
• Social story books – These are a wonderful way for children to become familiar with new routines, such as starting school. Many children delight in receiving a book that has been created just for them.

• Practise the following skills:
  • Packing and unpacking a school backpack – Make sure your child’s bag is easily recognisable by attaching something familiar. Be mindful of the number of items in the bag and review what is truly essential. Heavy bags can be difficult for young children to carry and close independently.
  • Eating from their lunchbox – Practise having recess and lunch foods out of their school lunchbox.
  • Opening food packaging – Encourage your child to open any packaging they will use at school. Using nude foods is always best.
  • Using public toilets – Explain that schools have separate toilets for girls and boys.
  • Wearing the school uniform – Help your child become comfortable with their uniform.
  • Putting on and taking off shoes – Shoes with Velcro are easier than laces for young children.
  • Travelling to and from school – Practice the school journey during the summer holidays before the school year begins.

• Getting ready: 
  • The weeks before – Practise the school run and the new routine to see how much time is needed.
  • The night before – Help your child lay out their clothes and pack their bag. Stick to your regular evening routine, but be ready to address any questions, worries, or excitement. Ensure they get a good night’s sleep.
  • The first day – Allow extra time in the morning. Stay positive and calm. At the end of the day, don’t worry if your child is tired or quiet. Celebrate the day with something nice after school!

RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH SCHOOL TRANSITION

I have recently been asked about resources to assist with school transition. In our ELC Library and my office, we have the following reference books available:

• First Year at School – the Early Childhood Association of Australia and the Australian Primary Principal’s Association
• Are You Ready for School? Trust, Collaboration, and Enquiry Between Parent and Teachers –Andrew Oberthur

Please contact your teacher or myself if you would like to borrow either of these books.

For children, picture books can be a positive introduction to school. There are many books available. Suggestions include: 

• First Day – Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley
• Starting School – A J and Walker Godwin
• My First Day at School – Meredith Costain
• Jessica's Box – Peter Carnavas 
• The Kissing Hand –Audrey Penn, Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
• Mae’s First Day of School – Kate Berube

These resources, combined with careful planning and open conversations, can provide enormous reassurance and support to our ELC children as they prepare for their first year at school.