How To Survive Your Child's First Day At Primary School
Your child's first day at school can be a nerve-wracking time for both of you, but you're not alone. We've spoken to Head teacher Jeff Smith to show you how to prepare well and ease those first-day jitters.
Step 1: Mix with other children
Before your child starts school, prepare them to mix with other children. Join mother and toddler groups, invite friends with children round to visit so that the children get a chance to play with each other, and give your child opportunities to learn important skills like sharing and interacting effectively.
Step 2: Read to them
Establish a love of books at an early age. Spend regular time reading with your child in a calm, quiet environment.
Step 3: Establish sleep patterns
Before your child starts school, make sure they have an appropriate sleep routine in place.
Step 4: Practice school skills
Before the start of term, talk through colours, shapes, numbers and letters. You might consider getting them to familiarise themselves with the shape of letters and numbers by tracing them in sand or similar.
Use construction kits to develop their motor and manipulative skills.
Step 5: Visit the school
Schools will arrange a visit to the school for parents and children. This will be a great opportunity to meet the teacher and for children to familiarise themselves with their new environment.
Step 6: Ease their anxiety
Be enthusiastic about school around your children. This will help them to think about school as a positive thing.
Step 7: On the day
The first day can be an anxious time for parents and children alike. Schools will have strategies in place to make it as stress-free as possible.
