Preparing your little child for the big school can really be a challenging task and parents play a vital role in preparing them for the new experience. Starting school requires the child to cope up with various changes in the young child’s life and it also involves big adjustments for parents. Taking a few essential steps to prepare your kids will help them to make the experience positive and exciting. As a school teacher, with more than 15 years of experience in helping little kids and their parents settle into big school, I have always felt that a little support and following some essential tips will make the journey smoother.

So, if you are planning to put your little sweetheart to a formal school, then this is the right time to start preparing your baby. In this piece of writing, I will share with you what I have learned so far when handling little kids for their school. But one thing I feel important to mention is that many things will also depend on you and your child’s character and the communicative and flexible nature of the school that he or she is going to attend. Hope that these little bits help to get your child ready for school and leave the rest for the future!

Preparing your child emotionally

Mental preparation: Many parents as well as their kids are very anxious about their starting school and this may be a big cause of mixed emotions, both the excitement of growing up and the feeling of becoming more independent. Though there is no need to prepare your child months in advance, but you can start to talk about the school, the building ahead of time. This will help the child to imagine everything and know what to expect and what to look forward to.

Visit the school: Many school teachers believe that it is a good idea to visit the school premises ahead of the beginning of the session. This will help you to introduce your child to the big school environment and help him to observe and explore the rooms. If it is possible to gain access to the school, then take him to the playground and let him walk around the campus. Explain to your child what will happen there, like story times, eating snacks with new friends, learning new things, playing games and etc.

Prepare academically

Fine tune motor skills: Prior to the big school, help your little kids develop his fine motor skills during play time by creating fun crafts, coloring and gluing. Research study has stated that if you can help your child to manipulate modeling clay to form various letters and shapes, then this will prepare him for the future handwriting demands at school. Few activities address dexterity and also help improving hand strengths and improve small hand tasks like manipulating small fasteners and using scissors.

Teach them to read and write few things: This is a very important step that you should take while preparing your child for school. Teach them to recognize their own name. Write different names in a sheet and ask them to find their name amongst lots of words. Also help them learn the address and some important phone numbers, mainly yours and your partners, so that they can inform the teacher during any emergency cases. Teach them to read short words and play games to make learning a fun time.

Handwashing and using the toilet: Prepare your child to use the toilet and to clean themselves independently. Though the staffs will be there to help, but with so many kids in the class and play time periods, it is vital to learn the basic skills fast. Also explain them the importance of washing their hands before having their food. Kids pick up things very easily, so try to teach them good hygiene habits to avoid falling sick.

On the specific day:

Check for any separation anxiety or insecurity: It is natural for a child to experience separation anxiety during the first days of school, especially when they are dropped off at the school premises. So, be prepared for a tearful session, but remain positive so that your child doesn’t get a hint of your anxious feeling that you may have while leaving your kid. Assure your child that you will return at the end of the day and always keep your goodbyes short and sweet. Once your child learns to adjust to the new school settings, things will be much easier.

Talk to other parents and avoid expressing your sad emotions: Once you have reached the school premises, say hello to other parents and arrange a meet up soon. Since all the parents are feeling the same as you are, making friendship will help your kids to become friends easily. Don’t be upset before your kids as this will only confuse them and it will become very difficult for you to manage once your child becomes cranky.

I hope the above tips will help your little baby settle easily and quickly into school and with fun and exciting ways to engage them in learning various activities, the journey is sure to be something memorable.