School Survival Guide From seasoned school-run mum to first-time school mums, Joanne Townsend shares her insights and advice for embracing the emotional transition. Starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and parents. The first weeks of school are perhaps the largest and last milestones your child will encounter whilst still willing to hold your hand and they're ones to treasure, not be terrified by.
The year is full of fun but can be overwhelming as you both find your new groove, so here are some things that worked for my family during that first term and beyond. Maybe they’ll work for you too…
The first term will whizz by and create more independent, smarter and confident children. It’s thrilling to see how quickly and dramatically they develop and change; they’ll suddenly have strong opinions, likes and dislikes, and hobbies. Their social network will explode and you’ll feel you need a class list with matching photographs to keep up with who’s friend of the week and all the birthday parties.
• Do read with your kids - Whilst pupils do read a lot in class, teachers often only have the time to do one-on-one reading with each child weekly to check progress and change books so it’s really important that your child reads with you at home regularly. You’ll be amazed at the progress they’ll make in that first term.
Some schools do have class blogs where they post weekly highlights or an app that lets you comment on your child’s progress, so stay informed. There will be moments when you couldn’t be prouder as they get rewarded for good behaviour, helping others or producing great work. Speaking to other parents at drop-off and pick-up is a lifeline – a chance to make friends with people who feel as you do, who can laugh with you at the inevitable school-life mishaps and remind you of the various events and donation days you’ll almost forget – and also build your social network just as your child does. Throughout the year there are many exciting things, from school performances and sports day to parent’s evenings and hopefully a glowing report as you discover their academic strengths and weaknesses.
10
• Prepare for the tiredness - Five days of full-time school is tiring for children, especially if they’re only used to a couple of days in pre-school. Be ready for some early nights and even cranky behaviour – especially in the first couple of weeks. • Do ask the teacher for advice or feedback Teachers will happily talk to you if you have any concerns about your child. Often chatting at the school gates isn’t appropriate for long conversations so don’t be afraid to send an email or ask for a phone call home. • Label everything - It’s guaranteed that they will misplace an item (especially on PE days) so label everything – uniform, water bottles, coats, gloves, stationery… everything! • Keep up with emails and newsletters - You will have plenty to sign and read every week.
www.termtimes.ltd.uk
