Preparing your child for big school
Understanding your child will make it easier to decide whether or not he/ she is ready for school.
Starting ‘big school’ is a major transition in every child and parent’s life. A good start can make a child’s school career a success, whereas a bad start has negative implications for the child’s whole life.
In South Africa, a child must have started school when they turn six years old, although the age at which a child starts school depends on various factors. Parents can speak to a pre-school teacher, a babysitter who has worked with your child or a primary school teacher for advice – they will know when it’s the right time to start school. Nduduzo Manqina, a qualified social worker, said parents or elder siblings can prepare the child ahead of school by noting his/ her level of development.
“How you prepare your child or young sibling for school differs from child to child as every child develops at a different rate.
Age does not always determine a child’s readiness for school,” said Nduduzo. At home, you can track your child’s level of development and understanding by teaching them colours, letters, writing their name, counting and the days of the week.
If your child does not understand, keeps forgetting or is confused by what you’re trying to teach him/ her, speak to professionals before you make the decision to enroll your little one.
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