5 Things You Should Know When Preparing Your Child for the Big School

Transitioning from toddlerhood to preparing for the big school can be an emotional time for every parent. Your little one is your baby, and soon, you’ll have to send them off to school. Stepping into the big school is a milestone for every child, you are sending them off with high hopes of getting them ready for the big life ahead of them. Getting a little teary during this stage is normal, the feeling of “‘letting go” of their baby years and moving up to the next stage of their life. 

Getting ready for the big school is also a challenging time for your little one. All they know since they were born in the comfort of their home, so walking into school on their own is an emotional time for them as well. Although difficult, this stage is completely necessary for your child to grow and learn, to equip themselves with literacy, their backbone to face the world. 

Recent studies show that children who start school developmentally ready have a better chance of doing better in school. In fact, school readiness directly affects the child’s success in life. Contrary to what most parents think, school readiness does not only refer to the child’s ability to read and write. School readiness is actually the child’s preparedness to start school as a whole- mentally, emotionally, and physically! 

Preparing for the first day of classes can be overwhelming for you as well as for your child. It is important that you set the tone right for them, their first perception of school will affect their motivation to go to school in the next months and even years. Here are the five things you need to know when preparing your child for the big school. 

Communication is essential,

it is your child’s ability to verbally express what they need, want, or think. One of the key indicators that your child is ready to enter big school is that they are already able to communicate what they need and want in a manner that you can clearly understand. When your child’s communication is developed, there is likely less drama in the classroom, and they are better able to relate to their teachers and peers. 

Physical skills should be developed.

The child cannot go to school if they are not physically well. Preparing your child for school also means preparing them physically. This also includes training your child to groom themselves, dressing up, zipping zippers, tying their shoelace, brushing their teeth, and buttoning clothes. 

Build a reading habit.

Early child development studies show that there is a direct relationship between positive school outcomes and reading. This means that children who read are more likely to have better grades and graduate with honours. However, not all children are naturally inclined to read. But, you can get them books that spark interest in them like a personalised book where you can personalise the physical appearance of the character and feature the child as the hero of the story! 

Boost social skills through play.

With the recent pandemic and the high volume of screen time, the new generation of children is more likely to develop low social skills. If you observe that your child is less social than others, it’s highly encouraged that you give them a tour of the school even before school starts. Set play dates with other parents so their children get to know each other and socialize! 

Finally, remember that emotional intelligence is just as important. The school setting opens the child to a range of emotions. So, it’s very important that you teach your child how unfamiliar emotions feel. This can be done when you frequently spend time with your child and regularly communicate with them! Emotional intelligence is very important because it helps your child understand emotions that they discover as they get to know the world around them! 

School is such an exciting time for every child, especially when they meet new friends. Walking into this new stage with your child can be emotional, but it is a necessary change. Aside from getting the books and school uniforms ready, it’s also necessary that you take the time to help your child cope with this big change in their life. Remember these five reminders and check on your child once in a while to assess which of the five areas they need support with!