Starting School

Starting school is a significant moment for children and their families. It is a time of change that can bring about a mix of emotions. Building independence and fine motor skills sets the foundation for life long learning and development of skills needed to succeed in life. All children will be encouraged to have a go and build independence in a variety of ways. Fine motor skills help children perform important tasks such as feeding themselves, grasping objects and writing. The ability to accomplish self care and everyday tasks helps a child's self esteem and confidence grow. 

Before your child starts school it would be beneficial if he/she can:

• Use the toilet independently. Teachers cannot help children when using the toilet. Practise using Public Toilets in Shopping Centres. 
• Practise eating a packed lunch from a lunchbox and clean up when finished
• Practise packing and unpacking their school bag
• Put their jumpers on and take them off 
• Do up buttons and zips
• Be reminded about personal hygiene
• Know his/her full name and recognise their own name in print. You can help your child by encouraging them to use a suitable grip using the dynamic tripod grip as shown below. You can help by pointing out the letters in their name, only use a capital letter at the start of their name and forming letters correctly. They will receive laminated alphabet charts at Meet the Teacher Day. Students can use these charts to practise writing their name correctly using one capital letter at the start of their name. Eg. Mary
• Pack away toys and games properly
• Experience being away from parents/carers so they feel comfortable without them for several hours
• Practise using scissors. Cutting is an important skill. It builds hand strength as opening and closing scissors builds up the small muscles in their hands. These muscles are important for everyday activities like brushing your teeth, drawing, getting dressed and using cutlery.