Bonjour lecteurs! The first days of school can be a daunting and exciting moment for both children and parents. It’s un grand changement with new routines and a different setting, etc. C’est important to create a sense of balance to make it as smooth as possible. It’s all about establishing routines, but also taking it slowly. As kids go back to school in September, days are still light and sunny. Why not book a little staycation on the beach a few days before the big start? Options such as Noosa beachfront accommodation feature l’environnement parfait for you to get ready together. Preparing your little one for school does not have to feel stressful. Here are some idées to make the transition smoother.
Building Comfort & Familiarity
A happy child is someone who feels safe at all times. Why not have a chat with them about what school is like? Have une conversation with your child about their new beginning: what the school will look like, the sort of activities they will do there…
Par exemple, you can read books together about school adventures or friendly classroom characters. It will be fun and inviting. But the visual stories can also help your little ones picture their day in a positive way.
It’s all about getting them confident. When looking for a pre kindy near me, I wanted something where Stanley could be active, because I thought it worked well with his personnalité. So think, what is best for your child? A big school or a smaller establishment?
Encouraging Independence
A little bit of freedom can go a long way. So get into the habit to do it at home. It will prepare them better for what is to come. Carrying out everyday activities like putting a few things into a small bag, putting on their coat themselves, or keeping shoes at the door gives a child a chance to be involved and feel appreciated. En plus, it will feel less intimidating when they start pre-school.
Likewise, there must be some comforting moments. Whenever a child feels understood or cared for, it adds to their self-esteem. Children who are comfortable in their own skin are ready to embrace new challenges with a sense of curiosité. Not only it will prepare them better for school, but it will also help them during the academic years to come.
Nurturing Positive Emotions
School is all about routines and rules. It might seem a bit dauting for little ones at first. So, we need to teach them to verbalise their emotions as soon as possible. This way, we can help them better understand what is going on and adapt to their new setting.
Not only that, but it also help you bonding with your child from a very early start. Going to the local playground with your toddler is great for them to keep active. But it’s also l’excuse parfaite to make new friends and practise social skills.
Try to familiarise your children with school as an extension of their own world rather than just another scary unknown. They will look forward to it.
Creating a Supportive Start
Transition begins before the ring of the first scholastic bell. It’s all about making gentle preparations. You can come to the school open day with your little ones so they can see the new space before their actually start.
Give them a sense of belonging. Try to meet up with local mums beforehand so they can play with other children already in the school.
Show them the school website, talk about the uniform, make it a fun thing to get ready in the morning. I used to do a mini competition with Stanley where he would win a sticker if he was dressed before me. It’s all about positive reward to show them school is fun.
Plus, let’s be honnête, it’s rather cool in reception anyway! Pre-school often offer a gentle start. When we went through that experience, his first day at school was just for a hour or so. I remember dropping him, feeling quite emotional. Only to go for a quick walk and having to pick him up an hour later! They checked out their classroom, read a book et voilà! The next day was only a morning session before building it up to a full day.
Preparing your little one for school can be a fun experience for all the family.
What was your children’s first day at school like? Or how do you feel about them joining a school soon?
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