In the Know

ELC News 

Lyn Pewtress, ELC Director 

Preparing for school

Many of our Magenta and Magnolia students have attended, or are shortly due to attend, their school orientation session/s. These visits are extremely beneficial for both the educators and the children. Educators have the opportunity to learn about each child, while the children are introduced to teaching staff and their peers who will also begin at Kilvington 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. I have listed below a few suggestions: 

  • Additional visits to the School. Visits to the School, for example to watch a sport lesson or a school assembly, may help prepare your child for schedules which may be new experiences for them.
  • Playdates.Arranging playdates with peers over the summer school holiday period can help children transition better to school.As with any child starting school, supportive relationships with other families and children can take time to develop, but can be worth the effort in the long term. Individual classes may wish to create a parents' WhatsApp group to foster this connection.
  • 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 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, including school. Many children benefit from a book that has been made especially for them about starting school. 
  • Practise routine skills. 
    • Packing and unpacking the 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. These bags can become very heavy and hard to close independently for a young child.
    • Eating recess and lunch foods out of the school lunchbox.
    • Opening any packaging that will be used for food at school (nude foods are always best!).
    • Using public toilets, explaining that at school there are separate toilets for girls and boys.
    • Wearing a school uniform.
    • Taking on and off 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.
  • Get ready.
    • 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 TO ASSIST WITH SCHOOL TRANSITION

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

  • 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 by Andrew Oberthur.

Please contact your teacher if you'd 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 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