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Starting school is a major milestone in a child’s life. Preparing a child for their first day in Early Years can feel both exciting and worrying. The transition marks a new stage in a child’s life and requires children to have a new level of independence. To ensure your child is ready emotionally, socially and practically for this new chapter, here are some top tips from the Early Years experts at The British International School Bratislava.
Emotional Readiness
Starting school in a new environment often leads to a range of emotions, including separation anxiety. Building emotional resilience early on can ease the transition.
· Talk positively about school - discuss the fun and exciting learning that will take place and all the new activities they will do
· Practice short separations – plan time where children are away from home with other trusted adults
· Talk about emotions – discuss what feelings children might have, how these are okay to feel and how they can overcome them
Social Skills
Being part of a bigger group of children is often a new experience and helping children to develop key social skills enables them to feel confident at school.
· Turn-taking and sharing – encourage this through play, support children in making friends and understanding how to cooperate
· Model key communication skills - such as please, thank you and asking for help, this ensures children can express their needs
Independence
Early Years teachers support children to develop their independence in everything they do.
· Tidying up – this develops responsibility and a sense of ownership when playing
· Getting dressed and undressed - putting on shoes, coats, doing zips and buttons
Before your child’s first day at school, it is important to visit the new environment. This supports familiarity for everyone and helps to build excitement around the new adventure. Every child is different and readiness for school can vary. What is most important is to create a supportive environment that helps children approach this new stage with curiosity and confidence.