HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL

We offer you the below check list with the hope that it helps your child prepare for school.

1. Talk a lot to the child and encourage them to express themselves.
   

2. Listen to what they say.
   

3. It is a great help if your child is able to print their name before coming to school.
   

4. Ensure they have lots of experiences – visit the beach, bush areas, airport, railway station etc.
   

5. Go shopping together and allow the child to help find items on your list.
   

6. Teach them colours, shapes, sizes and how to do up shoelaces.
   

7. Encourage them to cut out, paste, paint etc to develop muscular co-ordination.
   

8. If the child shows an interest in copying words, make sure you do not print with capitals only.
   

9. Teach your child to take care of personal belongings.
   

10. Try to make sure that they complete any task you have set for them.
    

11. Join the library and read books often to your child. Encourage your child to participate in the story, providing missing words etc.
    

12. Don’t forget that children love nursery rhymes and teach them as many as you can.
    

13. Encourage you child to become more independent.
    

HOLDING THE PENCIL

It is important for children to hold their pencil correctly.  When they are first beginning to write they may develop an incorrect grip, which can become habitual and cause strain, hindering fluency and speed.

PRE-SCHOOL ENTRY VISIT

Parents and child are encouraged to visit the New Entrant classroom prior to the child reaching their fifth birthday.

The main objectives of an introductory visit are:

1. To familiarise the child with the classroom and environment and therefore dispel any apprehension the child may have.
   

2. To encourage a positive parent/teacher, home/school relationship.
   

3. To observe the child and listen to parents’ analysis of their child, in particular any social, physical or emotional problems that may involve specific preparations for when the child starts school.
   

Visits are arranged through the child’s kindergarten or directly by the parents.  The New Entrant teacher must be contacted for an appointment.  In general, the visits are held on Wednesday mornings.

Short morning visits include:

1. The daily programme of writing process, news board, physical education and reading means the child is included fully and experiences success.
   

2. In this short space of time there are not too many routines involved that the child will leave feeling confused and overwhelmed.
   

3. The child has not reached the stage of having ‘had enough’ and wanting to go home.
   

Ideally the child has rekindled friendships with his peers, started a positive relationship with the teacher and has felt part of the busy classroom environment.

Each child is different.  Some are happy with one visit a few days before their fifth birthday, while others may need several visits two or three weeks prior to enrollment.

In consultation with the parents, the Principal and New Entrant teacher are happy to arrange the pre-school visit most suitable to your child.  We both want what is best for your child, that they start school feeling feeling secure and accepted.