How to prepare your child for school 

Some children feel anxious about starting school, while others just can’t wait. Help your child look forward to “big school” by preparing them for change.

Starting school is a huge milestone for children and the beginning of a long educational journey. A positive start will help children feel comfortable with the transition – and make your mornings much easier! Here’s our best tips to help your school drop off run smoothly from day one.

Preparation is key

It really is. Talk to your child about starting school and help them get ready for this exciting new step in their learning journey. Knowing what to expect and being prepared for school will build your child’s confidence to stride into their new classroom ready to learn and make new friends.

Practical tips to prepare your child for school

If you’re wondering how do I help my child get ready for school, check out our top tips:

Positive messaging: Speak positively about the experience of starting school to help build your child’s excitement. Read them picture books about starting school to show them what to expect. Share your own fond memories about making friends, playing games and learning.

Visit the school beforehand: Many schools have transition programs or orientation days where children can visit the school, check out the playground and maybe even visit their classroom. This is a great way to help children become familiar with their new environment. Taking your child with you when you drop off enrolment forms and buy their uniforms can also help make them feel comfortable going to school. During the holidays, go for a walk past their school and talk to your child about what they can see and what school might be like.

Countdown calendar: Mark the first day of school on a calendar and count down the days as a family. You could include fun milestones such as shopping for school supplies or baking biscuits or muffins for their school lunch box.

Find a friend: Having a familiar face on the first day can make all the difference. Organise a playdate with a child starting school with yours to help put them both at ease.

Involve children in the process: Letting your child pick out their backpack, lunchbox and pencil case helps them to take ownership of their transition.

Create a routine: Developing a cheerful and consistent drop-off and pick-up routine with your child should be a key part of any plan for how to prepare children for school. Encourage your child to choose a special parting ritual such as a hug, high-five or special phrase that signals it’s time to part.

What do kids need to know before prep/reception/kindergarten?

There’s no standard list of knowledge children need to have before starting school, but children will certainly benefit from being exposed to books and reading, as well as concepts such as patterns and counting. It’s also helpful for children to be able to recognise their own written name, even if they can’t yet actually read it.

What should children be able to do before school?

Children will settle at school more easily and be ready to learn if they are already capable and confident at fulfilling their own basic needs. Attending Edge Early Learning Centre before starting school gives children a headstart and it’s well worth carving out some time over the summer holidays to make sure your child has the essentials covered. Follow this checklist for how to prepare children for school:

Toileting: Be able to use the toilet independently, including wiping and washing hands afterward and leaving the loo ready for the next user.

Dressing: Practice putting on and taking off their school uniform, including zips and buttons.

Eating: All that learning can make kids hungry! Prevent them from becoming “hangry” by making sure your child can open their own lunchbox. Practice opening packaged foods such as yoghurts or muesli bars. Your child’s teacher will appreciate not having to spend their lunch time opening 20 or so lunch boxes!

Managing personal belongings: Show your child how to recognise and care for their backpack, lunchbox and school supplies, as well as pack and unpack their bag with limited assistance. Sticking on a special name tag or writing your child’s name on their belongings will also help.

Communication: Be able to follow instructions and express their needs, wants and feelings clearly to teachers and peers.

Listening: Be able to pay attention during group activities and respond when spoken to as well as follow classroom rules.

Relationships: Be able to introduce themselves to peers, join group activities, take turns and share with other students.

Fine motor skills: Be able to use a pencil or crayon with basic control, use scissors safely and complete simple puzzles.

Independence: Be able to handle minor setbacks or challenges with resilience and transition from one activity to another with minimal upset.

Confidence: Feel comfortable away from parents or caregivers, as well as able to approach new activities and environments with a willingness to try.

How Edge Early Learning prepares children for school

Attending daycare or kindy at Edge Early Learning is one of the best ways how to prepare children for school. Children learn to interact with their peers and develop a range of early learning skills through our specialised curriculum. A day at Edge Early Learning follows a similar structure to a school day, with set times for inside and outside play, meals and all types of learning. If you have concerns about your child starting school, be sure to speak to their educator. We’re always happy to help.  You may also like to check out our blog post on cute First Day of School Traditions for you to start.