Every parent is anxious about their child’s first few weeks at school. Parents want their child to settle in quickly, make friends, and be happy and secure. Every teacher would wish the same. This common cause is a sound basis on which to establish a fruitful partnership. The school will be doing many things to prepare your child for school, such as visiting playgroups or nurseries, or making a home visit. They will probably send useful information to you prior to his first visits. As a parent you can make their job much easier, and do many positive things to ensure that your child settles in happily. Here are a few ideas.

1.Walk the route to school several times before they start, to familiarise your child with the environment and the building.
2. Find and encourage friends in the neighbourhood or playgroup who are going to the same school.
3. Teach your child to undress/dress himself, manage his coat zip, and hang his coat on a peg.
4. Make sure your child is toilet trained and is confident to ask when he needs to go.
5. Enjoy books together. Read to your child every day. Join the library and look at lots of pictures.
6. Give your child lots of creative activities to do. Painting, play doh, cutting and sticking, drawing, stickers, puzzles, all encourage concentration and hand/eye co-ordination. Keep them on a tray to minimise mess.
7. Do lots of counting activities, such as  houses while walking, cars and buses while driving, toys when tidying up.
8. Make comparisons. Talk about size, (taller, shorter, longer, wider etc.) Talking about time also helps with their understanding of the sequence of events.
9. Enjoy nature. Go for visits to the woods, beach, fields, farms and parks. Talk about the birds, animals, insects, flowers and trees. They will become inquisitive explorers and learn more.
10. Establish routines for bedtime that ensure that your child gets plenty of sleep. The first few months at school are very tiring!

    

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