ELC News 

Preparing for School

Lyn Pewtress, ELC Coordinator 

By now, many of our Magenta and Magnolia students have begun to attend their School orientations. These sessions are extremely beneficial; providing opportunity for the educators to learn about each child and for the children to be introduced to teaching staff and other peers. 

Our ELC children have looked forward to their transition and are excited, yet perhaps also a little apprehensive about their impending future. There are a number of things we can do for the children to assist them with a smooth transition to School. I have listed below a few suggestions: 

• Set up additional visits to the School (when restrictions have eased). For example, coming into School to watch a sport lesson or School assembly. This may help prepare your child for schedules at School which may be a new experience for them. 
• Organise playdates.Over the summer school holiday period, arrange play dates with some of the other soon-to-be Prep students. As with any child starting school, supportive relationships with other families and children can take time to develop but they can be worth the effort in the long term.
• Take part in community activities. As facilities have now reopened, you have other opportunities to socialise in your local community, such as attending playgroups or story-time at a library.
• Talk with your child about school. 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. 
• Help your child understand time concepts. To help your child understand time concepts, using a calendar to count down the days until school starts can be helpful.
• Read social story books. Books are a wonderful way for children to become familiar with new routines, including school. Many children benefit from a book that has been made especially for them about starting school. 
• Practice skills for school. These include:
  • Packing and unpacking the school backpack, ensuring that it can be easily recognised as their own by attaching something they will recognise to the bag.
  • Eating recess and lunch foods out of the school lunchbox. 
  • Opening any packaging that will be used for food at school.
  • Using public toilets, explaining that at school there are separate toilets for girls and boys.
  • Wearing the school uniform.
  • Taking on and off their school shoes 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.
• Get 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 them 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!

RESOURCE BOOKS

Often, I am asked about resources to assist with school transition. Available for viewing at our Centre, we have a terrific resource book called First Year at School. I understand all ongoing Kilvington Prep children have received their own copy of this in their Prep ‘take home’ bag.  

For children, picture books can be a positive introduction to school. Books to consider may include:

•  First Day by Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley.
•  Starting School by A J and Walker Godwin. 
• My First Day at School by Meredith Costain.
• Jessica's Box by Peter Carnavas. 
• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak.
•  Wombat Goes to School by Jackie French  and Bruce Whatley.      

We wish our outgoing ELC friends the best of luck as they prepare for their journey into primary school.