Starting school is a significant milestone in every child's life. To ensure that school becomes a place of comfort and growth, it is essential to prepare the child properly. This preparation includes both moral and physical support, as well as providing all the necessary school supplies.
Preparation for school is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps the child smoothly transition from a relaxed home schedule to a more structured school routine. Secondly, school is a place where the child will meet many new faces and situations, so they must be ready for new social interactions. Thirdly, proper preparation can help reduce the child's anxiety about this new stage in their life.
In this article, we will discuss the main stages of school preparation, including choosing a school, establishing a daily routine, setting up a workspace for the child, and providing all necessary supplies. We will also focus on the moral and psychological preparation that will help the child feel comfortable and confident in school.
Preparation for school includes several important stages that will help the child adapt to the new environment and successfully start the learning process. Let's have a closer look at them.
Choosing a school is one of the first and most crucial steps. When it comes to public schools, you may not have much choice regarding teachers, but it is essential to learn about the principal and general school conditions. In private schools, you have the opportunity to choose the curriculum and meet the teachers in advance. It is recommended to start this process in May or earlier to have enough time to familiarise yourself with the child's future learning environment.
Example: When choosing a school, you can schedule a meeting with the administration or attend an open day to see the classrooms and meet your child's future teacher.
Implementing a school routine in advance will help the child get used to the new conditions. It is recommended to enrol the child in preschool or establish a consistent bedtime routine. This will help the child adapt to early wake-ups and a regular schedule.
Example: Start gradually changing the wake-up time to earlier, so by the time school starts, the child is used to getting up at 7 a.m.
The workspace should be comfortable and conducive to learning. Ideally, the child should have a desk with adjustable height, a large desk lamp with warm light that should fall from the left, and convenient stationery for a first-grader. The workspace should be separated from the play area.
Example: Place the desk by a window and use organisers for storing stationery, so the child knows where everything is.
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Preparation for school involves not only moral but also material aspects. Providing the child with all the necessary supplies will help them feel confident and comfortable in the new environment. Let's consider the main categories of items a first-grader will need.
The school uniform may be mandatory or optional, depending on the school. In private schools, uniforms may not be required, but in public schools, it is often necessary to wear a dark bottom and a light top. It is important that the clothing is neat and comfortable.
Example: Include this question in your list when visiting a school. If a uniform is not required, buy several sets of clothes, so the child always has clean and neat attire.
The need to purchase stationery depends on the school as well. Private schools, such as ESTI School, usually provide everything for the students. In public schools, you can request a list of necessary supplies during your visit.
Example: It is essential to purchase high-quality items that will be convenient to use. This can include triangular pencils and pens for proper hand positioning, an orthopaedic backpack, and a pencil case that the child likes.
In public schools, textbooks are frequently provided for free, but notebooks need to be purchased separately. Private schools may provide all necessary materials, including textbooks and notebooks.
Example: At ESTI School, parents do not worry about textbooks and notebooks, as the school provides everything necessary for learning.
Moral and psychological preparation for school is just as important as physical preparation. It helps the child feel confident in the new environment, reduces anxiety, and develops necessary social skills.
Reducing the child's anxiety before school largely depends on the parents' behaviour. If parents are calm, joyful, and confident, the child will feel the same. Explain to the child that school is fun and interesting, where they can make new friends and learn many new things.
Example: Share stories about your school years, emphasising the positive moments to spark the child's interest in school.
Social skills are very important for adapting to school. If the child attends preschool or preparatory courses, they already have some experience interacting with peers. If not, spend more time at playgrounds and arrange playdates with other children.
Example: Invite other children over or visit local play centres where the child can make new friends.
Preparatory courses help the child understand what lessons are, how long they last, and that they need to be focused during this time. It is better to start preparatory courses a year before school or choose intensive summer courses.
Example: Courses at ESTI School help the child overcome fears about school, adapt to the learning process, and acquire basic knowledge for the first grade.
Preparing a child for school is an important and responsible stage that requires attention and preparation. By providing the child with comfortable conditions, support, and love, you help them successfully navigate this transition and experience the joy of learning at school. Remember, your attitude towards school and learning greatly influences how the child perceives this new stage in their life.
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