7 things parents should do to prepare their children for first grade

Most preschools have programs to help prepare children for first grade. However, as a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child adjust to a new school. Here are some suggestions for you.

1. Talk about what to expect

You can buy some books about what to expect in primary school, spend time talking with your child about what a day at school is like, and encourage your child to share any concerns or questions they have so they can work through them together.

2. Participate in orientation and experience at school

Most elementary schools will hold an orientation or experience session before the new school year starts. Let your child attend as it will be a good time for you and your child to get to know what the classrooms look like, the cafeteria, the toilets, and where the buses pick up and drop off.

After the tour, remind your child to bring any new questions and explore the answers together. If your child attends a school you previously attended, share some stories about your time there. This will help make their experience more interesting and understandable.

Establishing habits and teaching children about safety are things parents need to do to help their children not feel overwhelmed when moving to a new level of school.

3. Buy school supplies

Take your child shopping and make sure they have everything they need before their first day of school. This could include a good school bag, shoes, uniform, books and stationery.

4. Talk about making new friends

Moving from preschool to primary school means saying goodbye to old friends and making new ones. Talk to your child about what they can do to help them make new friends quickly.

You should also make sure your child still sees his or her kindergarten friends. During the first two months of first grade, try to work with the kindergarten parents to arrange time for the children to have playdates together.

5. Practice walking to school

Whether your child walks, takes public transport or takes the school bus, make the trip with them before they go to school. Get them up earlier in the morning and go to school together. Alternatively, try walking home from school together.

6. Establish a routine

You need to maintain the same routines that your child does throughout the school week to help them develop a routine. For example, help them get used to going to bed earlier and waking up earlier, tell them when homework is due, and how TV viewing in the evenings is limited.

Try to get your child started on these habits about a month before the new school year starts.

7. Teach children about safety

Talk to your child about situations they might encounter at school, then discuss what to do if any adult or child makes them uncomfortable.

You should also tell your child about fire safety procedures and the dangers when leaving the school gate.