Is it time for Big School?

Many parents face a difficult decision about whether to send their four year old to school next year or not.

While popular opinion may suggest the wisdom of ‘holding a child back’ so that they avoid being the youngest in their class, experts believe that chronological age is not the only determinant that parents should take into consideration when making this important choice.

Health professionals and teachers generally agree that school readiness is more than a child’s ability to remember the alphabet and recite the numbers from one to twenty. For a smooth and happy start to their formal education, children need to be socially and emotionally mature enough for the demands of school and these factors are usually much more important than a child’s chronological age.

Social maturity includes a child’s ability to communicate their feelings and needs. Children who are ready for school are usually those who can interact successfully with other kids, share, take turns and respect other children’s property. Socially mature children can use words to solve problems and ask for help when they need it.

Emotionally mature children are those who are learning to become independent. They can listen to others, follow directions and cope with change. Emotional maturity is important for children when they start school because they need to be able to farewell their parents without emotional upset and be flexible when confronted with new or unexpected situations.

How can you prepare your child for school?

• Encourage your child to develop the confidence to explore new things and be willing to work on his or her own until a task is complete.
• Give your child chances to interact with children of the same age.
• Kids need the chance to be around their peers. This helps them to learn what is appropriate and what is not. At school, kids are required to ignore distractions, make decisions and negotiate with other children. Your child will benefit if he or she is well practiced in dealing with children other than his or her siblings.
• Give your pre-schooler regular opportunities to be in a ‘learning’ environment. Children develop an understanding of the ‘conventions’ of school more quickly if they have been exposed to situations where they have been expected to listen, follow instructions and take
  turns. Kids First’s Confident Little Kids program combines these kinds of social and learning skills and can be a great way to familiarise children with the experiences they will have next year.
• Help your child to develop language and general knowledge. Encourage your child to solve problems, ask questions and to write his or her name. Play counting games and identify shapes, sounds and colours with your child.
• Develop your child’s pre-reading skills. No kindergarten teacher will expect your child to be reading Tolstoy on day one, but an
  understanding of the link between words on a page and meaning can be a head start. Read to your child every day and provide opportunities for your son or daughter to interact with many forms of printed language in the forms of posters, cards, storybooks and signs.
• Work with your child’s new school. Schools are used to welcoming children and parents for the first time. Attend orientation days.
  Take your child for a walk around the grounds during the holidays. Use photos of important locations such as the toilets, canteen and front office to familiarise your child with his or her new environment. Be creative so that your child knows what to expect on day one.

Most importantly – make the most of the next few months and enjoy this special time in your family’s life! Going to school is a wonderful adventure that you and your child will experience together! Look forward to that special first day – it is one that you will never forget. For more information visit www.kids-first.com.au