GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL                      

One of the aims of the school is to create a happy, caring environment in which individual children can find their place and flourish.  Children need to feel secure and confident, to know where they are and what is expected of them.  If something is worrying a child either at home or at school this will clearly effect their work and their attitude to others.  We care about the well being of your children so if a problem arises please ring or call at the school to talk it over.  A small worry mentioned can often avert a big problem at a later stage.

The first day at school is a very big step in the life of any child or parent.  We want to make those first days as easy as possible for both you and your children.  There are many ways in which you can help your children at home ‑ some very obvious and some that you might not have considered.  We hope that you will find our suggestions and advice in preparing your childrend to get ready school.

Helping your Children at Home

1)  Conversation

Talk and listen ‑ include them in conversations, answer their questions, and ask them questions.  Give simple, clear, truthful answers.  Encourage discussion.  Correct any difficulties in pronunciation of words.  Ask them questions which will encourage them to think.

2)  Television

Watch with them and discuss items during and after the programme to make it a shared experience.

3)  Radio

Children need to develop the ability to settle and concentrate before starting school.  Listen with them to develop these skills.

4)  Books and Comics

"Suitable" comics are useful ‑ following the story by looking at the pictures is an important pre‑reading skill.

Show them how to care for books and turn pages properly.

Try to read to them and with them every day.  Draw their attention to words, reading from left to right, line by line, from top of the page to the bottom.

Point out words on labels, instructions, titles, names etc.

5)  Home‑made Books ‑ Cut out pictures from magazines and catalogues and let your childrend stick them in a scrapbook, or draw their own pictures on a theme ("cars", "animals", "clothes", etc.).  Write one word beneath the picture and let them  point to the word and say it.  Use small print letters, not capitals.  If you need to talk about letters use the phonetic alphabet (the sound of letters, rather than the name of letters.

6)  Writing  Encourage your children to draw, crayon, paint, model with plasticine etc. to develop muscles in fingers, hand, arm and shoulder, to enable them to control a pencil and manipulate everyday tools. Write their names above their pictures or let them write over letters.  Let them copy underneath your writing if they are able.

Don't push them.

7)  Number   Provide plenty of sorting experience e.g. shopping ‑ let them sort where things go, large and small, tins and packets.  Count objects by putting their fingers on each.  Allow them to set the table, matching enough cutlery for people.  Sort and match according to size, shape, colour etc.

Promote understanding of number "parrot‑fashion".

8)  Games and Toys

Play card games, memory games.  Do jigsaws.  Play games such as "Simon Says", "I Spy", to promote listening skills.

Construction toys help to develop finger muscles.

9)  Music  Learn nursery rhymes with your children, recite jingles and sing songs.  Tap, pat and clap rhythms.  Make simple musical instruments.

10) Exploring  Include them in your hobbies and interests.  Arrange outings ‑ go to railway stations, ride on the bus, play in adventure playgrounds etc.

11) Learning Independence  Your children should have the experience of being separated from you.  Give them the opportunity of mixing with adults other immediate family and relations, sleeping overnight at "grans" or "aunty", playing away from home.  Trust them to accept responsibility for their clothes and belongings, to tidy their rooms, to wash‑up, find things and give messages.  Teach them to handle cutlery, carry plates, dress themselves, carry their belongings etc.

Guide them and praise them and be patient even when they are slow.  Expect standards of behaviour and stick to them ‑ children won't resent rules as long as they are fair.

COMING TO SCHOOL

When your children start school they should be able to do the following:‑

1)  Dress and undress themselves.

2)  Take off their coat, gloves, hat and hang each item up.

3)  Tie their own shoelaces.  (Shoes with Velcroe fastening are

good if they can't).

4)  Use the toilet properly and flush the toilet after use.

5)  Wash and dry their face and hands.

6)  Use a knife and fork and carry a plate.

7)  Tidy/clean away their toys.

8)  Use a handkerchief.

9)  Share their toys and be prepared to "take turns".

10) Act confidently and responsibly.

Uniform  Should be comfortable, practical and manageable.  Buttons, zips and fasteners are difficult to manage ‑ a simple     

teeshirt and school sweatshirt cause much less problem than shirts and ties!

Bags  Please provide your children with a sturdy bag, big enough to hold books, pencil case etc. and a named drawstring bag.

The First Few Weeks  Children are unpredictable!  Some settle immediately, some cry ‑ one day, one week or weeks!  Stay calm and be patient.  Tell them you'll be back soon and GO.  Give them time to adjust.  Playgrounds, toilets, assemblies, all are daunting places until routines are established.

Don,t worry if your children revert to thumb sucking, is very clingy, wets the bed, has bad dreams or tantrums ‑ these are probably signs that they are missing home and don't yet feel secure.  Be patient and give them lots of affection and reassurance.  If your children seem tired and irritable after school try meeting them with something to eat or a drink, apple, honey on bread, a carrot stick, just to boost their energy level.  School can be tiring!  If they don't adjust in time, don't hesitate to talk it over with the teacher.  If you have done all you can to prepare your children for school and continue to give them your time, interest and support you can be sure that they are in the best possible position to reach their potential and use all of their abilities.