Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
“One of the biggest question parents have in the first few years of their child’s
life is ‘how do I know when my child is ready for school?’
Whilst every parent wants their child to go to school and generally every child is excited
about starting ‘big school’, its important that the child is ready. In this DVD, we’re
going to look at the four main areas of getting your child Ready for School.
When children turn four, most parents begin to think about when they’ll start school.
In NSW, children can start school if they’re turning 5 on or before July 31st.
They must start when they are six. But that’s still an 18 month range, so here
are some other guidelines. What do your child’s pre-school teachers
and carers say? What about your friends who know your child?
A GP or community nurse will also be able to advise you on your child’s readiness
as will the school principal or counsellor. The one question parents always ask is, what
about my child’s skills and abilities? When your child starts school, they should
be able to talk to others and ask simple questions. They need to be able to make their needs known.
Whilst we don’t expect them to be able to read, they should be familiar with books and
be able to identify pictures. They should be able to draw basic pictures
and enjoy rhymes and songs. Your child should be familiar with numbers
and understand the difference between one or two and a lot or many.
They should also be able to identify shapes, colours and opposites.
School is a social place and children love playing together.
Your child needs to able to look after their personal hygiene (go to the toilet and wash
their hands.) They should know their name and address, be
able to sit and listen and adapt to the task they’re asked to do.
They should understand the concept of sharing and imagination when it comes to playing.
Indoor and outdoor play and sport are an important part of school and your child should be able
to participate easily in these activities. They should be able to dress or undress themselves
to get ready for sport. They need to be able to use scissors and make
simple designs from paper and cardboard. All these skills and abilities are the sorts
of things the majority of children of school age would be able to accomplish as a normal
part of their growth. We don’t expect your child to be able to
read, write or do mathematics. That’s what school is for.
If you’re in doubt about any of these skills in your child, please get in touch/come and
see the principal. Your school will help prepare you and your
child, so find out what they’re offering. Generally there will be an orientation day
or days. During January, get organised and involve
your child in the process. They will respond to how you feel about this step to ‘big
school’ so be positive and confident. Buy their uniform together. Go on a walk to
school so they’re familiar with the routine. Talk about school and explain the routines.
Whilst your child is at school, we see their education as a team approach.
Get to know your school and the teachers who will teach your child.
Being able to talk about what happens at school with your child will help them to adjust and
settle into this new routine. We invite all parents/carers to get involved
in the life of their child’s school. This might be through helping in the classroom,
listening to reading. Helping with computers or serving at the canteen.
It’s important that as a parent you have a good relationship with your child’s school.
Become familiar with the school activities and set a positive example for your child.
If they see you active in their school, they will be more comfortable.
There are key things you need to provide your school when you child enrols.
Proof of address, birth certificate, immunisation history, visa or court orders (if appropriate).
Your school will give you more information. Whilst the first day at school for both parent
and child is the start of a whole new part of their development, planning ahead and working
with your school is the best way of making this transition smooth and enjoyable.
We hope this video has helped you to make sure your child is “ready for school”.
Please contact your school if you have any questions.
Remember, they’re here to help you make this a positive and rewarding experience.