Preparing for school to start
A new year is a fresh start – a chance to make the most of new learning opportunities, to strengthen the friendships we have, and to make new friends. The new year also gives us a chance to use all the knowledge and experience we’ve gained in 2023.
Ideas to prepare for the year ahead
Below are some ideas for things you can do to help the 2024 school year get off to a good start:
- Build confidence around skills that your child may need for school.
– Reception students: consider practicing getting dressed (doing up zips etc.), opening containers (ready for lunch boxes!), becoming independent in routines (e.g. going to the toilet, packing their school bag) or even playing on the playground.
– Year 1 to 3 students: try focusing on social skills (turn taking, waiting, winning and losing), play skills (including catching up with friends from school) and helping them learn to look after their belongings.
– Year 4 to 6 students: consider focusing more on organisation skills, social problem solving, responsible decision-making or working as part of a group or team. - Begin getting back into routine ready for school starting. This would include getting up at the time that you would need to for school as well as going to bed as you would on a school night.
- Start talking about going to school a week or two before school starts. The school holidays are a long time (especially for children) with lots of exciting occasions (Christmas!). Thinking about going to school may be more meaningful if it is linked in with other activities (going school shoe shopping, trying on uniforms etc.).
- Be positive! The conversations we have with or around our child help shape their thoughts and feelings about a situation. If our conversations about school are positive, then this is likely to help your child view starting school as a good thing. If your child is feeling worried or nervous, remind them that many children in their class will likely be feeling the same way. Remind them of who will be there to help them at school (their friends, their new teacher, other teachers they know etc.).
- The “Getting to Know Your Child” meetings held in Week 1 are a great opportunity to begin building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher, and really help to get 2024 off to a great start!
For Parents of New Receptions
Making the transition to primary school can be a big change – both for your child and for you! Even for children with siblings already at school, it can take time to adjust to a new routine. Transition visits during Term 4 2023 gave students an opportunity to become familiar with the Reception classrooms and to meet the wonderful team of teachers who will be guiding the students on their learning journeys. In addition to the tips above, the links below offer more information and ideas:
Parent Resources:
https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/primary-school-zone-ahead
https://parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/PEG48-Starting-school.pdf
https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/back-to-school