Help! My Child is starting school

Help! My Child is starting school 

School Readiness is the term given to decipher whether a child is “ready” for formal schooling. The transition process starts from the moment they begin attending preschool and continues through to their first year of Kindergarten. Positive early school experiences create strong outcomes for future learning, 

School Readiness for children with additional needs.

As your early learning service we will liaise with any specialists or professionals your child engages with to ensure a smooth transition for your child. We’ll also be able to assist you in considering the best environment for your child’s schooling experience.

Children are individuals who develop at different stages, however there are some key skills that will best assist your child’s transition to school. If you feel your child needs additional assistance in any of these 5 areas please talk to their educators.

Activities to practice in the lead-up to starting Kindergarten

• Using the toilet independently and ensuring effective hand washing techniques. As well as other self-help skills such as understating how to regulate their body temperature i.e removing jumper when hot.
• Depending on how your child will get to school you should practice walking to school or using public transport.
• Set up play dates with a friend attending the same school (you can ask your early learning service for a suggestion)
• Visit a local library and borrow a book to read.
• Greeting community members and interacting with them e.g let your child order your coffee at the counter (with you)
• Organise opportunities for packed lunches and encourage your child to open it themselves, eating the healthy foods first.
• Encourage your child to practice dressing themselves including socks, shoes and jackets.
• Encourage your child to pack their belongings away and be responsible for them. Explore readiness activities such as pencil grip, scissor cutting and concentration.

Lunch Box Tips

• Pack food that is easy to open, cut small slits into any packaging making it easier for your child to open.
• Cut fruit into pieces and place them into a small container.
• Add vegetable sticks in resealable bags and put any dips into a seperate container.
• Have variety each day such as wraps , pita roll or wholegrain breads.
• You could also bulk cook foods, freeze and add to lunch boxes such as pizza scrolls, salmon patties or quiches.
• Avoid too many pre-packaged snacks as they usually have a high sugar content.
• Have a small frozen bottle wrapped in a tea towel to keep food fresh or use a cooler bag.
• Your child will need a drink bottle filled with water for the day, show them how to refill it.

Ensure all lunch and drink items are clearly labeled with your child's first and last name!

Information sourced from

• Local Primary school Principals and Kindergarten Teachers
• Educators at Junior Einsteins
• www.learningpotential.gov.au
• Billy Backpack Program
• NSW Government – Transition to School