The 2018 school year is not yet over but many parents already have one eye on next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leading early childhood education expert Michele Peden said many Illawarra families were preparing their children for the important milestone of starting primary school.
This can be equally an emotional and daunting time for both parents and children alike.
Ms Peden said a parent’s role in supporting their child to manage the transition is vital.
But Big Fat Smile’s pedagogical thinker in residence said a major misperception among parents when preparing children for kindergarten, was that children must be academically prepared over any other attributes.
“Fostering children’s social and emotional competence, as well as increasing their levels of independence will far greatly assist them in adjusting into a new routine and environment within a primary school setting over promoting academia,” she said.
Ms Peden has condensed 20-years of knowledge and experience in the early childhood education and care sector into five strategies that parents can use to help children transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten.
They are:
- Promote open conversations with your child about starting primary school: It is important to actively listen and talk about any fears or concerns they may have towards starting school so you can explore ways to help reduce their anxiety.
- Encourage the development of social and emotional skills: This involves playing simple games with children and teaching them to take turns and follow rules.
- Help your child develop self-help skills: It is imperative children are given opportunities to develop their ability to negotiate and handle everyday tasks such as dressing, feeding, toileting, brushing teeth, brushing hair and hand washing.
- Implement predicable routines: Parents can assist children in preparing for school by implementing a predictable morning and night routine before the term starts. This will help children become more relaxed and cooperative and feel a greater sense of responsibility, confidence and independence.
- Practical preparation: Parents should encourage children to wear the school uniform at home before school so it feels familiar.
Ms Peden also recommends enrolling children into an early childhood educational program.
The NSW Department of Education website also has important information.