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Starting School!

We are really looking forward to getting to know you and your child over the Summer Term ready for your child to start school in September. 

We know that starting primary school can be daunting for you and your child, but it marks the start of an exciting new chapter and we are so excited for your child's school journey to start.

 Here are some top tips to help get them ready

1. Independence 

The most useful thing you can do to get your child ready for school is to make sure they are comfortable doing simple tasks by themselves. This includes:

  • Going to the toilet
  • Getting dressed (avoid clothing with fiddly buckles and buttons if possible) 
  • Putting on shoes (go for shoes with Velcro fasteners if possible)
  • Eating
  • Solving simple problem

2. Build Social Skills

Learning in a classroom is a social activity. Children learn and develop by playing alongside their peers, and they will make better progress if they are happy mixing with other children and adults. You can encourage this by:

  • Practising greetings. Your child should know how to start a conversation with their new classmates. You can use dolls and soft toys to practise saying “hello”!
  • Practising conversations. Giving your child time to talk – and also having time when they have to listen – teaches vital speaking and listening skills. You could take turns to talk about the best part of your day during dinner. Can they ask questions to find out more? Can they remember their sibling’s favourite part of the day?
  • Encouraging sharing and tolerance. Sharing games such as Snakes and Ladders let children practise social skills and turn-taking. Be sure to use the language of turn-taking, like ‘Whose turn is it next?’ and ‘Thank you for waiting’.

3. Help them to be 'ready to learn'

Every child is different and it is important to remember each child has their own learning journey. However, there are some ways you can get your child ready for learning:

  • Help them recognise their name. It is handy if your child can find their space in the cloakroom, and can keep track of labelled clothes and other belongings.
  • Share stories. Reading to your child improves their vocabulary and listening skills, and acting out stories is a great way to practise communication. Seeing you enjoy stories also helps your child to be an enthusiastic reader.  Access free stories online here https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/free-ebooks/
  • Fine motor skills. Building hand strength, fine motor skills, and hand-eye co-ordination helps prepare your child for writing. Making Lego models, using scissors, and threading beads onto string are fun ways to develop hand strength. Drawing and colouring activities introduce your child to mark-making tools.
  • Introduce them to numbers. Why not go on a number hunt around your local area and take pictures of any numbers you find? You could also share counting songs together or count objects as you set the table for dinner. Can your child get five forks or three cups out? Can they share them between members of the family?
  • Build concentration. Play games and complete simple fun activities for an increasing amount of time praising your child for working hard and focusing well. 

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Please watch our classroom tour with your child to help them to get to know their new classroom. You may want to talk about some of the areas they are looking forward to playing in. 

 

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Our lovely children shared their favourite things about school.