Starting school is an exciting time of change for children and families. There are many things you can do to prepare for the changes. Helping children to feel confident and positive about school will give them a good start.
When children start school, they have a lot to get used to. They will be in a new setting, with more children and new rules and routines. Some children will manage this easily while others may need more help from parents and teachers.
Children in South Australia must be enrolled in primary school by their sixth birthday. Most children will attend preschool or childcare in the year before starting school. South Australian government schools have one intake of children at the start of each year. Children turning five before May 1 will start at the beginning of term one in that year and children turning five on or after May 1 will start at the beginning of the following year. Check intake arrangements with your child’s school.
Many schools, preschools and childcare centres help children during their transition to school. They arrange programs which may include:
There is a lot for children to get used to when they start school. Some will adapt more easily than others.
There are things parents can do to help children feel confident and optimistic about starting school. You could talk with them about what school will be like. Borrow books from the library with positive stories about starting school. Maybe share some happy stories from your own school days. Parents can also help children to build confidence and optimism by encouraging a habit of positive thinking. Asking children to tell you about the good things that happen each day helps develop this healthy habit.
To prepare children for school you could:
If your child is worried, ask them what would help, e.g. who should take them to school, where they want to say goodbye, what they want to do after school. Having some control can help children manage their fears.
Working with your school
It is important for parents and teachers to work together and communicate well. It can help if you:
Children do best at school when patheir parents and teachers work together to support them.
As your child settles in to school:
Some children wet their pants at school, which can embarrass them. Reassure them that it often happens and is nothing to worry about. Encourage them to tell the teacher. Pack spare clothing in the bottom of their bag.
Children can show stress by:
You could help by:
Want more information?
GreatStart Activity ideas that promote children’s learning - www.greatstart.sa.edu.au
Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) Phone 8226 1000, free call 1800 088 158 - www.decd.sa.gov.au
Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) Phone 1300 733 606, 9am-4.30pm, Mon-Fri for an appointment.
See www.cyh.com for child health and parenting information
Parent Helpline Phone 1300 364 100 For advice on child health and parenting
Parenting SA For more Parent Easy Guides, e.g. ‘Bedwetting’, ‘Bullying’ and ‘Sleep disturbance’ - www.parenting.sa.gov.au
Raising Children Network For parenting information - www.raisingchildren.net.au