In the Know

ELC News 

Lyn Pewtress, Director of the ELC 

Preparing for school

Many of our Pre-Prep Magenta and Magnolia students have recently attended or are about to participate in their school orientation sessions

These visits are a great opportunity for our educators to learn about each student, and for the children to be introduced to teaching staff and other peers who will starting school at the same time. 

Our ELC children are looking forward to their transition and are excited, yet perhaps also a little apprehensive, of their impending future. 

 

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

  • Additional visits to school – When this opportunity is available, school visits may help prepare your child for an environment and schedules which are new to them. You can watch a sport lesson or school assembly, or even take a walk around the school over the weekend.
  • Playdates - Arrange play dates with some potential school friends over the summer school holiday period. As with any child starting school, supportive relationships with other families and children can take time to develop, but are worth the effort in the long term. Some classes might create their own WhatsApp group.
  • Community activities – Take advantage of opportunities to socialise within your local community, such as attending playgroups or story-time at the library.
  • Talking with your child – Positive discussions with your child about starting school are a great start. However, children may find it hard to think ahead about future events in terms of weeks and months. To help your child to understand time concepts, using a calendar to count down the days until school starts can be helpful.
  • 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. 
  • Practising helpful skills 
    • Help your child pack and unpack their school backpack, ensuring that it is easily recognised as their own by attaching something they will recognise. I recommend being mindful of the amount of items in a bag and review what is really essential. 
    • Eating recess and lunch foods out of their school lunchbox. 
    • Practise opening any packaging that will be used for food at school (nude foods are always best!).
    • Using public toilets. Explain how at school there are separate toilets for girls and boys.
    • Wearing the school uniform.
    • Taking on and off their school and sports shoes (shoes with Velcro rather than laces are easiest to fasten).
    • Travelling to and from school during the summer holidays prior to the start of the school year.
  • Getting ready for School  
    • The weeks before – Practise the school run and new routine and see how much time you will need. 
    • The night before – Help your child lay out their clothes and pack their bag. Stick to your regular evening routine but be prepared to address any questions, worries and excitement. Try to ensure a good night’s sleep.
    • The first day – Allow more time in the morning. Try to stay positive and calm. At the end of the day, don’t worry if your child is tired or doesn’t want to talk much. Do something nice after school to celebrate!

RESOURCES

I have recently been asked about resources to assist with school transition. In our ELC Library and my office, we have a couple of useful reference books. These include:

  • First Year at School - developed by 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, 2021.

Please contact your teacher 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.