STARTING
SCHOOL
TIPS
Start developing
their independence
Work on getting dressed, putting their
shoes on the right feet, going to the
toilet by themselves ... it sounds simple
but it’s important.Teach them to
My little boy turned one in March and it’s frightening how fast a year of our lives has write their name
gone. I do now truly believe it when people say “Oh Lauren, before you know it, he’ll be
at school!” I’m sure many of you feel that same terror at realising that your ‘baby’ is
growing up and heading to ‘big school’ in a matter of months! Aaaaah!
Putting on my ‘other hat’ as a Primary School Teacher, I’m here to reassure you that
they will be absolutely fine! In fact, your child will not only be learning lots of incredible
things, they will be nurtured and dare I say loved. As a teacher, I spend so much time
with the children in my class, who become affectionately known as ‘my kids’. I quickly
learn their favourite colours, hobbies, football teams they support ... even their dog’s
name! I learn it all! Because as teachers, we care! Your children become our children
for the year so scratch off that niggling worry that “Their teacher won’t get him/her like I
do”. Granted, as their parent, you’ll always rank top in this department but we truly do
take our role very seriously. I promise they will be looked after!
Of course your child starting school is a big change and a time of mixed emotions.
There will be excitement about moving on to the next step in their lives, sadness at
spending less time together and worries about what it will be like. But it is worth
remembering that most children absolutely love school and it’s a fantastic to see them
developing their characters, learning lots of skills, building their knowledge and meeting
lots of new friends.
It’s natural to be apprehensive but I hope that makes you feel a bit more reassured. So
instead, let’s focus on three simple things you can do to prepare your little ones for
starting school:By Lauren HarveyThis is something they must learn from
memory. Do fun activities like making
playdough letters or writing in dollops
of ketchup. Every teacher will thank
you!Explore ‘Starting School’
books over the summer
picking out exciting activities and fun
aspects of school life that they have to
look forward to.
My parting note to you is simple but often difficult
in practice ... please don’t cry when you drop
them off! This is confusing because they look to
you if they are having a wobble and after all,
you’ve spent all summer telling them how
amazing school is! If you’re feeling wobbly
yourself, get back to the car and have a little quiet
sob ... and maybe some chocolate ... it’s perfectly
normal! Just think how fantastic it’ll be to pick
them up and hear all about their first day at
school adventures!Advertorial linkPage 36