Seeing our kids prepare for school and wear their uniforms for the first time is a painful experience. All kinds of doubts and worries regarding our kids’ abilities to handle school life start to swirl in our heads once we can no longer ignore that they are growing up. Parents aren’t the only ones who are worried, however. Due to the bigger size of the school compound and population, children, especially those who have never encountered a rigid and structured school system in their early years, may find their first school experience exceptionally exhausting and possibly overstimulating.
Parents may help their kids prepare for the first day of school in six easy ways, and they can also make school exciting and joyful.
1. Gaining Practical Knowledge
For most Singaporean parents, who most likely employed private tutors to ensure their kids were up to speed on the Primary 2 curriculum by the time they were halfway through kindergarten, this one goes without saying. But not all of the talents that kids require are of an academic type. As opposed to what they might have done in nursery and kindergarten, children should be used to resisting the impulse to nap throughout the school day. When kids buy food at the school canteen, they may be required to manage money and take care of their possessions for the first time. They would need the resourcefulness and initiative to seek out an adult and beg for assistance when lost or in distress.
2. Developing Social Skills
Social intelligence is also crucial. It could be challenging for your child to establish friends with others immediately if he tends to be quiet or withdrawn. Parents can arrange play dates for their kids or take them to a playground where they can interact and play with other kids their age. The child would find it simpler to make friends with new classmates in this way. If the child is naturally timid, it could be good to gently remind them to smile, say hello, or ask basic questions like, “Do you want to play with me?” if they are experiencing shyness. ‘ or ‘Would you like to sit next to me? ‘to their brand-new classmates. If your child experiences separation anxiety, it could be necessary to work on gradually acclimating them to being apart from you for more extended periods.
This article will further explain the Importance of Developing Social Skills For Your Young Ones.
3. Conversing With The Teacher
If it’s okay with the school’s policies and you’re concerned about making sure your child is ready for every scenario on the first day of school, consider contacting the former teacher ahead of time. You could better grasp the classroom dynamics and discover new strategies for assisting your child in adjusting to his new role as a student by speaking with the teacher. Understanding your child’s personality, strengths, and shortcomings is also helpful to the instructor.
4. Getting Ready for School Together
Keep in mind that you should handle only some of the school-related preparations. Your child will develop more self-confidence and show a more substantial interest in attending school if he feels like he is a part of the planning. Try shopping for school supplies like a new school bag, pencil case, or stationery with your child and explain to him what each item is for. He can also be introduced to attending school by reading stories about other kids.
5. Positive Communication Techniques
Stay happy about going to school at all times. This does not imply that you should minimise or downplay your child’s concerns about entering this unfamiliar setting, but rather that you should recognize them and support the youngster in overcoming them. Talk about the beautiful school experiences you’ve had or the things you enjoyed most. In any case, the key is moderation. Avoid going overboard to avoid giving the child outrageously unreasonable expectations for the first day of school.
6. Creating a Schedule for the Day
When their child enters school age, one of the more difficult things for parents is to manage their time while adjusting to the school routine efficiently. Children may become restless and bored when made to sit still in a school for a lot longer than they are accustomed to. As kids must adhere to the school schedule rigorously, they might also have difficulty dealing with hunger or fatigue. Parents can aid their children in getting ready for school by establishing a plan on the days before the start of the school year. A set schedule reduces the child’s sense of uncertainty and aids in time management for both parents and kids. For instance, parents could establish a regular time for the child’s meals, bedtime, and wake-up.
Final Thoughts
Here are more summarised tips for getting ready for the first day of school:
- Organise your supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your classes, such as textbooks, notebooks, pens, and calculators.
- Plan your outfit: Choose comfortable, appropriate clothing for the first day, and make sure it adheres to any dress code policies.
- Get a good night’s sleep: Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your first day to feel refreshed and ready to start the day.
- Pack a healthy lunch: Pack a healthy lunch, including a variety of foods, to fuel your day and keep you focused in class.
- Review your schedule: Familiarise yourself with your schedule, including class times and locations, to reduce stress and ensure you arrive on time for your first day.
- Meet with your teachers: If possible, try to meet with your teachers or attend a meet-and-greet session before the first day of school to get to know them and ask any questions you have.
- Find your way around: Familiarise yourself with the layout of the school and the location of important areas such as the library, office, and restrooms.
- Set goals: Consider what you want to achieve in each of your classes and set some academic and personal goals for the school year.
- Stay positive: Start the school year with a positive attitude, be open to new experiences, and be confident in your abilities.
With HaoChinese, we will help your child blend into lessons smoothly so they will have no trouble learning. Our patient and friendly teachers will be able to get along well with your kids. Otherwise, you can also opt for Free trial lessons that are also available. Contact us if you have any further enquiries.
