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 orientations. 

 

These sessions are extremely beneficial and provide an opportunity to the educators to learn about each child. The children are introduced to teaching staff and their peers (who are 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. 

 

HOW TO ASSIST CHILDREN WITH TRANSITIONING TO SCHOOL  

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: 

  • Additional visits to the school - This may help prepare your child for schedules at school which may be new experiences for them. You could watch a sport lesson or a school assembly.
  • Playdates - Arranging play dates with other children 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 they can be worth the effort in the long term.
  • Community activities – Taking advantage of opportunities to socialise within your local community, such as attending playgroups or story-time at the library.
  • Use a calendar - Having positive discussions with your child about starting school is 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 storybooks - 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 backpack they'll be using for school, ensuring that your child’s backpack can be easily recognised as their own by attaching something to the bag they'll recognise.
    • Eating recess and lunch foods out of their 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 and sports shoes (shoes with velcro are easiest to fasten).
    • Travelling to and from school during the summer holidays prior to the start of the school year.
  • Prepare beforehand - 
    • The weeks before – Practise the school run and new routine and see how much time you'll 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, we have purchased First Year at School by the Early Childhood Association of Australia and the Australian Primary Principal’s Association. 

Please contact your teacher if you would like to borrow this book. For children, picture books can be a positive introduction to school. 

 

Books to consider 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