Tips On Getting Your Child ‘Big School’ Ready This Summer
About 5 weeks into the summer holidays, I am starting to think about Back to School season. Just a thought… we still have about 3 weeks off. Girls are totally out of the routine and bed time schedule. We are all too busy making summer memories. Need to say I am gonna have to get back on track sometime soon! This year is a little special with Josefin starting the “Big School” in September. It’s a big change from nursery to primary, specially as she will just be turning 3 at the start of school. She will be one of the youngest in her class.
Sumer is about exploring, building confidence and creating memories.
As a parent whose child is starting school, there are many ways to help your child to have a happy and satisfying beginning to the great adventure of their school years. Sharing with you some easy tips from Monica Valrani, CEO of Ladybird Nursery to help our little ones ensure they have a smooth transition in September.
Tips On Getting Your Child ‘Big School’ Ready This Summer
The transition to ‘Big School’ can be daunting not only for children, but for parents too. As children transition from nursery into primary school, there will surely be some excitement, but also a little fear. Going from a relatively small nursery into a large primary, or even larger combined primary and secondary can be a shock to the system. Monica Valrani, has put together her top tips on how to get ‘Big School’ ready over the summer.
“This time of the year is very bittersweet for us at the nursery as it is always difficult to say goodbye to our children who we have nurtured over the years. We have seen them get ready to spread their wings and move on to Big School. Having gone through the transition with my own children, I understand how daunting it can be for both the parents and the child. ” comments Monica Valrani, CEO of Ladybird Nursery
Introducing them to their new environment
Making a number of visits to the new school before the term starts and talking with your child about all the fun things they will be doing is a great way to start familiarising them with the environment and getting them excited about the things to come in their new school.
Further developing your child’s social skills
In order to build further on their social skills, organising more play-dates with other children and families to encourage sharing, taking turns and building their confidence is a good idea. If possible, it is even more helpful to get together with families whose children are going to the same school.
Building up confidence and independence
Talking to your child about being able to do things independently, such as allowing them to dress themselves in their new big boy uniform, choosing their own snacks to pack in their lunchbox and even choosing their own school bag, are all great for building up their confidence and independence, two skills they will need to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Continue the learning process throughout the summer
During the summer holidays, continue to work on number recognition and literacy skills and play fun counting and word games like “I Spy”. These games keep young minds sharp and are great for giving your child a step up when they start the year.
Communication is key
In order to relieve anxiety, on both sides, share happy stories about your own school experience, all the friends you met and explain how they can speak to the teacher anytime about anything. Reading some Starting School books together is also very helpful for prepping them for what is to come.
Most importantly establish a routine
As school is a longer day than nursery, make sure to get your child into a good routine for dinner, bath time and bedtime to ensure they get enough sleep. This will ensure that when term time rolls around they are not sluggish or tired in their first few weeks.
Founded 20 years ago, Ladybird Nursery has established itself as one of Dubai’s leading British nurseries for children aged between 6 months and four years. Ladybird Nursery is located in Jumeirah 1 and Jumeirah Village Circle.
Hope it helps you and your little one. Let's keep a positive approach, keep it light and fun... breathe, it will work just fine! Well that's my thought and hope. Let's see. Until then enjoy the rest of your summer.