Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Preparing your child for school
The first day at school can be tricky and often quite hard for children (and parents too) but with a little preparation it’ll be easier for your little one to cope and enjoy their first days of school life.
The idea of starting big school can be very appealing for your little one, but with the excitement can also come worry and fear. To keep the magic of starting school a fun thing, it’s important to talk with your child about school days and school life. Let them know what to expect - talk about the day and what will happen. Explain about break times and snacks and meals (your school should have sent an information pack home or may have held a 'starting school' preparation talk.)
There are lots of lovely ‘starting school’ books, my favourite few I’ve listed below. Books are a great way of talking through any situation, and encourage children to talk about their feelings or worries.
Practical skills: From toilet training to hand washing – help your little one to be prepared for school by helping them with practical skills they will need during their day without you.
Getting dressed: Shoe-laces are tricky for little hands, so it’s worth buying school shoes they can manage themselves such as velcro or buckles.
Practice dressing and undressing as they’ll need to be able to change into their PE kit at least once a week. Also practice zips and buttons and putting on their coats. Socks and tights are tricky – so practice lots by having fun dressing up games at home in the run-up to the new school term.
Numbers, shapes and letters: It’s helpful if your little one can recognise a few numbers and shapes and also their name, but try not to worry if they really aren’t interested yet. Confidence and happiness on the first day of school far outweigh them knowing everything they are about to learn. So don’t push them into reading or writing if they would rather play!
My things: Let your child become familiar with what belongs to them in the weeks running up to school. The new shoes and uniform your bought in the shop will be long forgotten on the first day, so show your child their school items so they know which are theirs. Put their names in each item – this’ll not only help them recognise their name, it’ll stop things getting lost. You can use sewn in labels, or a sharpy, but write the name clearly so your child can read it.
Don’t cry! Starting school is your child’s first real step to independence, and it’s a huge moment for you all.
As a parent myself, I know how hard it is letting go – and the first day of school is a big step. Try your best to hold back those tears until they are through the door. I know it's hard, but think of your little one - if they think you are upset, it’ll make them worried. Make school a happy, exciting place to go!
If your child is crying and upset on the first day, give a great big hug and tell them you will be coming back later. Give them a time of day to focus on rather than hours. By saying ‘I’ll be here not long after the last playtime” will help them focus on your return.
After a few days you may find the tears will stop as they make new friends and become used to the new routine. However, if they don’t and you are worried, make the teacher the first person you contact. Talk to them about your concerns or worries so you can work together towards a solution.
Help your child sleep well for school: Sleep is really important for growing little minds and bodies, so a good bedtime routine and good night’s sleep is essential for school age children. In the run up to the new school term, ensure your little one is going to bed at a reasonable time so they are well rested and ready for the longer days ahead. Try and stick to roughly the same bedtime each night to ensure they are going to get plenty of rest.
Finally, enjoy this new exciting adventure! Don't forget the precious 'first day' photos, and smile! This is a wonderful new chapter of your little ones life.
Biog: Fi Star-Stone is one of the UK’s leading parenting experts, author, broadcaster and editor of Childcare is Fun, a parenting site that hosts the UK’s first ever, award winning, FREE parent advice service!