It’s an exciting and emotional time when your child starts primary school, and you’ll no doubt have concerns about how they’ll cope with the change. It’s worth remembering that children are adaptable and resilient, but how well they transition from nursery to big school will depend on their unique personality and experiences thus far. There are some ways you can prepare them though to make the move a bit easier. Here are some tips from a nursery in London on how you can help your child deal with this big change in their life.
Visit their school
If the school hasn’t already arranged a visit, ask if you can come and have a look around so your child can get a feel for the place. Often schools will organise community events which you could take your child to so they become familiar with the environment and the school staff. Visiting the school or attending their events before September will help your child feel more comfortable when they get there.
Practise routines
Once you know what times your child will need to get to school each morning and what route you’re going to take, practise the routine of getting up and dressed, packing their bag and walking/driving to school. Getting them used to what will happen when they start will make it an easier transition for them, particularly coming from what might be a different routine for nursery. You could also take your child shopping with you to pick out their own lunch box and water bottle, and make it an exciting occasion.
Read books
Find some books all about starting school and read these to your child over the summer so you can start talking to them about the transition. Ask them questions about what you’re reading to help identify any worries or fears they might have about starting big school – then you can reassure and support them with the aspects they’re most concerned about.
Develop their independence
Encouraging your child to do things like getting dressed and filling up their water bottle independently will help them feel more confident about doing them when you’re not around and they’re in an unfamiliar environment. Make sure they can also go to the toilet and wash their hands afterwards without help. It’s also a good idea to role play asking for help if they do need it.
Although both you and your child will be understandably nervous about the jump from nursery to primary school, preparing thoroughly and practising routines will help the transition go more smoothly.
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