Education is a huge part of raising children, and traditional schools can help develop different skills. Preparing your child for school in public or co-ed private schools can be daunting for parents, especially if they go to their first day of preschool or kindergarten.
It’s not just about getting them to choose a school bag or ensuring they have the right supplies like crayons and coloured pencils. You must also give your child the proper mindset for how school works so they can take full advantage of this important opportunity to learn and grow.
Whether your child is set for schooling or you're just testing if it's the right setup for you, here are useful tips for starting school with your child.
8 Tips to prepare your child for school
1. Get the basics covered
First things first. Schools would expect that your kids already have basic skills when they come in. Practice doing up laces or buckles and wearing shoes for a few days to get them accustomed to what a child wears in school. Get a lunchbox and do picnic lunch at home or in the park to get them excited and enthusiastic about recess. Ensure they are adequately potty trained and know how to express when they need to go to the toilet. Basic things like these can help them cope and have fun at school.
2. Talk about the new teacher
The new teacher in the new school may not just be another adult. In fact, many schools are hiring teachers that specialise in a particular subject like art or music. Teachers with expertise in a specific area can help your child learn more about their chosen subjects and also show them how to study for tests on those subjects. The child's teacher will be invaluable for parents as they prepare kids for school.
Check out your school district to see if they have an expert teacher program and encourage other parents to use it when talking about preparing kids for primary school.
Aside from the teacher, talk to your child about school officials. I found a nice old book about starting school in our community library to introduce my daughters to the school master, the librarian, the guidance counsellor, the bus driver, and other staff. This book helped them recognise other authorities who they can count on while in school.
3. Talk about homework
A child starting school is going to be assigned homework while in school. If your kids are going to school, you should make sure they understand what that means. Kids need help to learn how to work hard and properly organise their time so they can get everything done for their first year of school. Even when it means doing homework over breaks or on weekends.
You should help them find a balance between spending time with friends and completing their work, but it is ultimately up to them. Teaching kids how to manage their time will be a major benefit as they grow up ... no matter what they end up pursuing in life.
4. When to do homework
Schedule regular homework times – and stick to them. When should kids do their homework? It’s important that they learn to manage their time and develop a sense of responsibility by doing their work at designated times each day. Consistency is crucial to help your kids adjust to school and their new routine.
Don’t hover – but be available when needed. While it can be tempting to hover over your kids while they complete their assignments, don’t give in to that temptation.
How to support your child for their first day of school (cont.)
5. Give them snacks to munch on
When you’re on-the-go and you can’t find a healthy snack for your kids, head to your local convenience store. Energy bars make a great on-the-go after-school snack, and they don’t contain as much sugar as many cereals and crackers.
To up their nutrition even more, try mixing in some dried fruit or unsalted nuts into their morning snack before they head out to school. Yoghurt or fruit in easy-to-open cups or packets are also good options.
It's nice if you can get your child to to pick a lunch box and drink bottle they like to help them get excited for recess and lunch. Ask your child what else they need to take to school to help them adjust. (My youngest daughter took her Sailormoon wand for the whole first month.) After all, having new things for starting school is a huge deal.
6. Try and get there early
No matter how much traffic you think there will be, it’s always better to get to school a little early. Make sure your kids know where they’re going and what time they have to be there. Most schools require that students arrive 10 minutes before class starts. Bring backpacks with everything they need for their day and remind them of any major assignments due or events coming up. So, it's important that your kids get regular sleep.
It's a good idea to visit the school with your child before the start of the new school year. This can help your child feel the school environment. Check out the child's classroom, the cafeteria, the play area, the toilets. Your child might find it easier to navigate the school alone on the first day when they've been there before. Doing this days or weeks before school starts sends your child the positive message that school is exciting.
7. What to do if they are scared
It's natural for kids who are starting primary school life for the first time to feel scared or have a meltdown. These feelings are completely normal, especially if your child has never been separated from you before. If they’re having trouble coping with anxiety or fear, it’s best to stay calm and supportive.
Also, letting your child know that they don’t have to go to the ‘big school’ if they're feeling worried or sad is important. Just make sure their teachers know why. And if you notice they're consistently tired after school, ask them what's happening.
8. Have encouraging words
When you talk to your kids about school, emphasise how great an opportunity it is. Let them know that you’re proud of them. Letting kids know that their parents believe in them goes a long way and helps motivate them. Kids will always try to impress you, so give positive feedback whenever they do something impressive. It will encourage good behaviour, especially when they feel anxious.
Conclusion: Tips to get your child ready for school
Preparing your child for starting school is more than new school shoes and school uniforms. It’s about setting them up for success with confidence, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Celebrate the small victories (e.g. tying their shoelaces on their own or remembering to raise their hand in class). Be there to listen to their stories, no matter how big or small, and let them know you’re their biggest cheerleader.
The first day of school is a milestone for both of you. Embrace it with a heart full of hope and excitement for all the wonderful memories yet to be made. You’ve got this, and so do they.
