Preparing a child for school is an important stage that requires attention from both parents and the child. Starting school is stressful not only for the child but also for the parents.
Here are some tips to help prepare your child for school.
Create a daily routine in advance that is as similar as possible to what will happen during school: wake up and go to bed at the same time. Establish a regular diet and balance it. Do not forget about physical activity. This contributes to the overall development of the child and increases endurance.Psychological readiness is equally important. Communicate with your child about school, explain what awaits them, answer questions and dispel fears. If you had a negative experience during your schooling, do not share it. Give your child the opportunity to form his or her own ideas and experience. Teach your child how to communicate with peers, resolve conflicts and work in a team.
Teach your child basic skills, such as reading, arithmetic, and writing. Develop motivation to learn: create a positive attitude toward learning by showing by example that learning is fun and important.
Organizational skills are equally important. Teach your child to complete tasks independently, such as packing a briefcase and keeping track of the schedule. Give your child feasible tasks for which he or she will be responsible. Organize a comfortable place for studying at home where the child can focus on homework. Before the start of the school year, allow your child to choose school supplies and stationery.
Prepare them for the new environment and introduce them to the school. Visit the school before school starts, show your child the classroom and schoolyard, and introduce him or her to the teacher. This will significantly reduce the child’s neurocognitive load. Discuss the upcoming day’s schedule with your child so that he or she understands when and what he or she will need to do. Or introduce a visual schedule.
Keep in touch with teachers and other parents to keep abreast of your child’s successes and challenges. It is important that your child knows that you support his or her teacher and are ready to help if needed.
Remember that the key is to have a positive approach and support your child at all stages of preparation. This will help them to adapt more easily to the new environment and start learning with confidence and interest.
Article author: Alexandra Zinchenko – speech therapist, corrective pedagogue. Founder of the A. Zinchenko Corrective and Speech Therapy Center in Kyiv. Co-founder of the Public Organization “Association of Speech Therapists of Ukraine.”
