ELC News

Preparing for School

Lyn Pewtress, ELC Coordinator

Many of our Magenta and Magnolia students have attended, or are shortly due to attend, their School orientations. These sessions are extremely beneficial; providing an opportunity for the educators to learn about each child and for the children to be introduced to teaching staff and other peers who will be 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 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 (when restrictions have eased)

This may help prepare your child for schedules at school (such as watching a sport lesson or school assembly) which may be new experiences for them.

PLAYDATES

Arranging play dates with some of these 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

When facilities begin to reopen, other opportunities to socialise in 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, including school routines. Many children benefit from a book that has been made especially for them about starting school.

PRACTISE SKILLS

Packing and unpacking the backpack they will be using for school, ensuring that your child’s backpack can be easily recognised as their own by attaching something they will recognise to the bag.
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 a 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.

GETTING READY

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!

I have recently been asked about resources to assist with the school transition.

In our ELC, we have purchased the new release of First Year at School developed 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. I believe all ongoing Kilvington Prep children will receive their own copy shortly. 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 formal schooling.