Get your little one ready for Grade One

By now many parents have received notifications as to whether or not their child has been accepted at their chosen school.

Also read: Grade R pupils ready for ‘Big’ school

While many Grade R’s are excited to be going to “big school” the closer it gets the more nervous they may feel.

Also read: Pupils ready for the year ahead

Here are a few ways to prepare them for this milestone and put them at ease:

Before the first day

•  Practice travelling to and from school with your child.
•  Arrange playdates with other families whose children will be going to the same school as your child. It can help if your child knows someone else at their school before they start.
•  Confirm your before and after school care arrangements.
•  Check what time school starts and finishes on the first day and where to take your child. Be positive about starting school and enjoy your child’s excitement. Talk with your child about school. Ask about the things they are looking forward to when starting school or what might be worrying them.
•  Visit your local library and read books with your child about starting school.
•  When talking about school, use the teachers name to help your child become familiar with it.
•  Establish routines for dinner, bath time and bedtime.
•  Encourage your child to dress themselves, so they can manage things like taking jerseys on and off.

The first day

There are a range of things you can do to help your child have a successful and stress-free first day at school, including:

•  Help your child to pack their school bag. Include items the school has recommended.
•  Let your child know who will take them to school and pick them up on the first day.
•  Put sunscreen on your child in the morning.
•  Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast.
•  Show your child where you will meet them at the end of the school day.
•  Leave home on time allowing time to say goodbye and be upbeat when you say goodbye.

At the end of the day talk to your child about what happened at school. Your child might be overwhelmed and not remember everything that has happened during the day so ask specific questions like “Which friends did you play with today” or “Which book did you read today?”

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