Preparing for the first day of school or an early learning centre is an exciting time in your child’s life and a smooth transition will assist your child in developing a positive attitude towards their learning.
“This is a significant step in a child’s educational journey and it is important that they are well prepared and positively supported for this change,” explains Ms Sarah Bethune, Head of Early Learning Centre at St Catherine’s School, Toorak.
“A positive transition will help your child to feel secure, confident and at ease in their new learning environment which is likely to result in a more engaged learner.”
There are many things families can do to support their child through this transition:
Role model positivity
Your child will have many questions about this change. It is important that their questions are answered in an honest and reassuring manner without over-talking the subject and creating further worry.
Prepare your child for the change
Explain where they will be going and what will be happening. Children feel secure in knowing what is happening ahead of time. Be prepared that it may take some time for your child to adapt to the change.
Involve your child in the preparation
Allow them to try on their uniform before their first day and include them in the process of purchasing books, stationery and lunch boxes. Ask them to help you pack their school bag in readiness for the first day.
Make sure you are prepared on the day
Ensure your child’s uniform, lunchbox and school bag are ready the day before which will help to minimise any stress on the day. Often children can sense their parents’ feelings, so stay calm and be positive.
The St Catherine’s School orientation and transition programs for ELC and Prep support and guide children and their families through these changes ensuring a sense of confidence, comfort and security. This involves opportunities for visiting their new classroom, meeting their new teachers and interacting with peers who will be in their class.
“Educators engage in discussion with the children to prepare them for each step in this process. This is done in a calm and reassuring way so that the children have enough information about what is happening but do not become overwhelmed,” says Ms Bethune.
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