Primary School – Here we come!

I might have mentioned this before and many of you know anyway: This is a partnership! We can’t do this without you. School does not start and end at whichever Pre or Primary School you go to. You will always have your part to play.

Here are some more tips to help with your prep from Primary School:

1. Do not underestimate the power of a bed time story. It models reading, tone and fluency, gives you a crucial chance to engage in discussion and is also the beginning of building Comprehension skills. Don’t forget the absolutely crucial bonding time naturally built in here.
2. Let them practice writing their names- pay attention to their pencil grip and capital and common letters. Start drilling into them that their names start with capital letters.
3. Practise engaging in sustained quiet activity. Let them sit and read or play a game (not their favourite) for 5-10 minutes.
4. Do you have a whiteboard at home? Write the date on it and let them copy it from the board (ensure that they have to look up to see the board and look back down to write). Write other sight words and have them copy. Copying from the board is a skill all on its own. 😉
5. Have them practise the basics.. a little bit every day- letter sounds, colours, shapes, alphabet, numbers 1-10, days of the week, months of the year. Use worksheets, books, plain paper… HOWEVER, do not stress (out) about this. They will repeat all of this in school.
6. Focus on what’s really important to start school-
   ✔a strong sense of self
   ✔independence
   ✔the ability to use the bathroom properly
   ✔how to unpack and re-pack lunch kits
   ✔how to fall out and make up with friends- conflict resolution
   ✔how to accept defeat
   ✔understanding private parts and appropriate touching
7. One special tip for YOU – Listen and connect. Children have a keen sixth sense and they know when you are being genuine. Listen to the little things they tell you now. Let them know that they are important so that the big complicated things in the future will be easy to share with mommy and daddy because they know that they matter to you. Do not go in the mindset that Primary School is easy – it only seems so to you now that you can look back on it now with your years of experience and knowledge. Everything they go through is a big thing and an important stage in their growth and development. You will also be surprised the kinds of stories they can concoct if they need your time and attention (positive and megative) – don’t push the boundaries of their creativity.
8. Remember to have fun – with and without them!

TeeJay