A Great Start to Primary School

A Great Start to Primary School

As your child enters Primary One this year, both of you may find yourselves adjusting to new routines, experiences, friends, teachers and much more. Starting primary school is a BIG milestone – so enjoy the journey and create great memories together!
Here are ten tips on how you can support your child in his/her adventure.
Get ready for school
The night before, prepare your child’s bag, uniform and go through your child’s schedule for the next day together. Make sure there is enough time to get ready, have breakfast and do not rush the journey to school!
Practise Routines
The school day is longer than your child is used to. Find out from you child about their brand new experiences like - buying food at recess, going to the washroom on their own. Help your child build good habits, remind them to wash their hands at the washroom, line up at the canteen and do role playing with them on the routines.
New Places, New Faces
Primary school is a far bigger world than pre-school. The school has a hall, canteen, field, lots of classrooms and many more children. Your child is getting to know a whole new world, so have a chat with them about the places they’ve been, the people they’ve met and their new experiences! 
Encourage your Child
Your child is learning more quickly than they might be used to. They may struggle a little to catch up or find some lessons hard to understand. Celebrate their efforts, not just their achievements. Let them know you are there to listen and help, set achievable goals and give your child lots of hugs!
Be a role model
Children’s first teachers are their parents and you remain their teachers for life. Time spent playing and exploring together creates many opportunities to learn life’s lessons. Cherish the time spent together – show them as much of the world as you can.
Team up with teachers
Have chats with your child’s teachers about how they are doing and what they are learning in school. Consider helping out at school events. When parents and teachers work closely together, they can support their child’s learning better and under the school culture.
Let’s help out at home
Your child is learning to be a responsible young person. In school, he or she might be asked to take on simple responsibilities like cleaning the classroom. Help your child by involving them to help with household duties, this way, they learn to take care of the people and things around them.
Time to let go
Primary school is the first time you will be away from your child for long hours. Don’t worry too much – your child is now learning to navigate the world. Walk with them, or watch from afar. Sometimes, it is alright to let them fall, they will learn to get up on their own. They may face setbacks in school. Chat with them about the mistakes – so that they can learn from them and grow up to be more resilient!