I couldn’t wait to get back in touch with you this week … which has been a little prolonged as my childminder has been ill all week. Yikes! How much we depend on their greatness.
But the important thing is that your post is here now and the subject may be very topical for you.
Why couldn’t I wait to share this? Because my 4 year old son Alex (photographed especially for you top) is starting ‘Big Boy’ school this September and he had his induction day. He seems a bit aprehensive, so I thought I’d share this experience on the blog and you can give your views and experience also by posting comments….so lets help each other make the transition to ‘big school’ go smoothly!
I’ve been following expert advice and making the necessary preparations. Alex will be going to a different school to the one connected to his nursery. Here are some of the preparations I’ve been following from the experts to make going to ‘big school’ that bit easier:
1. It will help your child’s confidence if s/he is independent, managing own toileting, washing hands, dressing (putting coat and shoes on) and meal times. It is likely that there are just 2 adults to 30 children in the classroom environment. This is quite a change from the nursery environment. Let them prepare their own drinks and look after friends and siblings. And the biggest challenge of all….getting them used to putting their own toys away.
2. Talk about school routines such as taking a register, so they know what to listen for and what to reply, play times – whistles, making friends, types of games, the drop off and collection process.
3. Prepare by visiting the school, watching play times, visits with teachers, making friends with other children.
4. Let the teacher know if you have any aprehensions
You are probably doing lots of these (if not all) already, but I find it helps me to make sure I’m covering all bases. I hope this is helpful.
Post your views, ideas and experiences on the Izziwizzies blog below.
There is more information about encouraging independence at http://www.izziwizzikids.co.uk/Indpendence
Take Care
Alison
As a Mum of 3 & ex primary school teacher I would say that starting big school is far more traumatic for Mum than child. Try to be chilled out about it as kids pick up on your anxiety. Most kids can’t wait to start the new adventure & settle in amazingly quickly. It is a good idea to let teachers know about the little oddidies of individual children though. For example my middle child nearly always needs a poo a few mins after he’s had a wee in the middle of the day. I had to let the teacher know this in case she thought he can’t possibly need the toilet again he’s just been. Generally reception teachers are very aware of the challenges of starting school & are very understanding. Our school encourages parents & children to attend pre school group one afternoon a week for the year before they start reception, so that the children & parents can meet eachother & the reception teachers.