- Based on research by various educators.
This is when you know your child is growing up so fast. Worry? Don’t be. In this article you will be able to find out the basics in preparing your child for Primary School.
Image source: Yishun Primary School
1. Familiarise them with the primary school settings
As you know, there are so many differences between pre-school and primary school settings.
For a start, you may share your experiences when you were in your primary school. Share with them the basic routine of the school (eg. flag raising, reading timetable and recess). From there, you may also share with them some photos and videos which you can find in google or even on the school website for your child to feel more encouraged and interested to find out more about their future.
A school’s orientation session will usually precede the start of the new school year. After the orientation, ask your child for any questions they may have during the visit and discuss possible solutions to the problems they may encounter. This will also allow them to feel more comfortable and at ease when turning up on the first day of school as they know what to expect.
2. Don’t forget to have fun while educating
Practice buying food with your child. Allow them to hand the money to the cashier on their own when buying meals or even purchasing items. This not only teaches them about independence, but also allows them to practice their math as our children need to know that they will pay for the price they are supposed to pay as well as the balance they should receive if they are paying more. It will surely be fun for them!
3. Establish Routines
Majority of our children will find it tough to adapt to waking up early in the morning for school. Although they may have attended a full-day programme at pre-schools, they will have fewer breaks and more intensive lessons in primary school. The packed schedule will present a challenge for them.
As soon as the excitement of the first week wears off, you may encounter resistance and meltdowns from your primary one child. Rest assured, you are not the only one experiencing this!
You can plan a timetable with your children and walk through their day with them. This can also be an opportunity for them to learn how to tell time on an analogue clock which most primary schools use in the classroom.
As a parent, lay your expectations early. It is important that they do their homework before they play after school so that they understand what is expected of them.
Finally, be prepared for your child to need a nap or an earlier bedtime because the waking up time is now earlier. Allowing them to adjust gradually is the best way to help them adjust to a new routine.
To find out more on how to prepare your child’s transition to Primary one, Ilham Child Care will be hosting an Online Webinar “Transitioning to Primary One” on October 15th, 2022. Click here to register.
