When a child first starts school it can be a stressful time for the child and for the parents. It doesn't need to be this way. There are measures that can be taken well before the child begins school that will maximize the the chances of a successful school start. A confident start to school is good start and one that will go a long way towards successful learning throughout the school years.
Physically Ready for School
Although schools vary in the hours, they expect beginners to be at school all day. For most children, those first days at school are long and tiring. Ensuring that children have a good diet and appropriate exercise prior to starting school will help them to manage those early days. It will also help if the child can manage the school day without a need to sleep.
Ready for School Emotionally
Parting from parents can be an emotionally stressful time for a child. If the child has had some preschool experience this will help prepare him for parting from parents on those first days at school. If the child has not had this experience try to arrange some time where he or she is cared for by someone trusted by the family. The child needs to be confident away from the family before starting school.
Socially Ready to Begin School
Coping with the demands of being with other children can be daunting for a young child. Children need to be able to share, to consider the needs of others and to play appropriately when they start school. If children haven’t had the opportunity to play with others, ensure this happens well before they start school. Arrange opportunities for the child to play with others in the neighborhood, or organize a play group.
The age at which the law states a child may begin school should be used as a guide, not a rule. Every child is different and the needs of the individual child should be taken into account when deciding when a child is ready for school. Parents, perhaps in consultation with preschool teachers, are the best judges of their child's readiness for school.
A Happy and Successful First Day at School
When the child is ready for school physically, emotionally and socially, there are other things that can be done do to ensure a successful start to schooling. Prior to the first day:
- Demonstrate a confident attitude. Show excitement about the child starting school.
- Visit the school and if possible meet the teacher.
- Have the child meet other children who will be starting school on the same day.
- Read appropriate stories about children starting school.
- Explain the basic classroom and school rules.
- Make sure the child knows how to use the school toilets and how to ask the teacher for permission to go to the toilet when necessary.
- Ensure the child can manage morning tea and lunch. Practice this at home before the first day at school.
- Make sure the child knows the after school pick-up procedures.
- Provide opportunities for the child to ask questions and answer them honestly and positively.
A child who is well adjusted and well prepared for school has a greater chance of success than one who begins school frightened and unready. An early start to school is not necessarily the best start. A child who is not ready for school is set up for early failure. School failure can haunt children throughout their school years. To avoid this make sure the child is ready for that all important school start.
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