Preparing for ‘big school’ – note to parents, caregivers

As the new school year ends, another one approaches, and this marks a very significant, independent leap for new recruits, Grade Rs and Grade Ones. How can parents/caregivers prepare young minds for the task at hand, mentally and physically?

Experts advise talking to children about their new school and what they can expect at the ‘big school’, and to focus on the differences between Grade R and Grade One – a more rigid schedule, sitting at the desk for longer periods of time, longer school hours and different play areas.

Little ones are expected to experience nervousness or even resistance as they face a new territory. Hilda Erasmus, Foundation Phase specialist, shares interesting tips on how to navigate these uncertain waters:

• Talk to your child often about what they are feeling, and why, and encourage them to take small steps that build bravery and courage.
• Flip anxiety on its head, having dinner conversations that talk about worry versus excitement. Ask your child to visualise one thing that they can’t wait to do even if you must give them some examples of your favourite memories at school.
• Ensure that your child knows that it’s okay to have butterflies, and make sure that you are in this feeling with them, using phrases like ‘We’ll do this together’ and ‘We’ve got this’.
• Reinforce routine and stability by making a weekly planner with your child, drawing pictures or writing out all the activities that they can look forward to at school each day.
• When your child’s teacher has been announced, print a picture from the school app and put it up on the fridge. Remind your child often over the December holidays of the lovely person who will be looking after them next year and what they will be learning together.
• In Grade R, play should be a learner’s only task. Your little one should focus on playing, drawing, cutting, colouring and painting to help them develop their gross and fine motor skills.

Learning Lab shares, “Parents are usually concerned when their kids have difficulty with reading and writing before entering Primary 1. It is worth noting that children learn well when the stories they read can captivate their interest.”

“What’s more, our libraries house more than 77 000 specially curated books, shelved according to recommendations for different levels which encourages students of all ages to extend their learning beyond the classroom.”

Furthermore, Learning Hub advises parents/caregivers to:

Do not breed fear in your young child by telling them that if they are naughty or do not listen in class, the teacher will scold them severely. Instead, encourage them to do their best.

• Expect a totally new timetable and schedule

From early morning wake-up times to having their mornings broken down into longer periods, your child will require a lot of adjustment to his or her routine. Unfortunately, this means that parents have to adjust their sleep schedules, too.

• Set up a timetable for your child

Explain the daily routine to them: Mondays to Fridays are spent in school and family activities happen on the weekends. Talk to them about what time they will be in school and who will look after them after school.

• Familiarise your child with the journey to school

Do a dry run of the transportation route that your child will take to and from school. Time the journey and check the traffic at the actual drop-off and pick-up time to get a sense of how parents and caregivers can manage the logistics.

• Teach your child to focus for longer periods

Set short tasks for your child (eg, practise writing simple words) and extend them to longer periods.

Apart from simply focusing on academics, students must learn independence, assume accountability and take responsibility for their belongings.

First and foremost, you must positively manage your own anxiety before you allay your child’s concerns. Children are perceptive beings and are incredibly sensitive to their parent’s feelings – so parents need to manage their emotions first.

• Maintain an ongoing conversation with your child

When school starts, children will often be excited to talk about their new experiences, so be ready to lend a listening ear and share their excitement. It makes them feel acknowledged and loved, and we delight in their milestones and enthusiasm.

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