Prepping your child for school: 101 guide

Starting school is a big milestone with a rollercoaster of emotions – excitement, nervousness, panic (and that’s just us parents). Preparing your child for the big event can sometimes feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. To make the transition easier, we put your burning questions to the education experts at Kinderland Academy & Preschool to help your little one’s first day go without a hitch!

How can I help prepare my child for their first day of school?

Your little one will be looking up to you in preparation for their first day at school, and we all know that they are way more observant than we give them credit for! With this in mind, make sure you share your excitement and use positive language when talking about their first day. If you’re excited and positive, they are more likely to be too!

You can also get your child involved in preparing for their first day – whether it’s picking a school bag with their favourite character on it or going to try on some fancy new school shoes. Being part of the decision-making process really helps them to feel part of it and get excited about their first day.

Psst, the first day can often be a busy one, so snap a few photos in advance of your little one in their new get-up to take the pressure off.

What if they’re really nervous (and I am, too)?

While positive vibes are important, it’s also good to discuss the mix of emotions they might face on their first day at school. Offer them reassurance that it’s completely normal (and you probably feel it, too!). Giving your child the opportunity to ask questions and explore these feelings in advance really helps. You can rest assured that educators are very well-versed in first-day nerves and will work to help your child overcome any anxiety they might feel in their new environment. At the end of the school day, you can have a conversation with your child about their time at school. This can really encourage them to communicate their feelings and teach them to handle their emotions better.

Things are always scarier when they’re unfamiliar, so if you can, it’s often helpful to bring your little one on a school tour before starting. This can really help ease nerves (for both of you!), get familiar with the environment, and they’ll be able to see what fun is in store!

How do I introduce a new routine for my child’s first day?

The first day of school could mean a whole new routine for everyone in the family. From a new breakfast time to a new journey to school, don’t leave it until the first day to try it. Set yourself time to practise your routine together. One way to make it fun is to use incentives such as stickers, and reward your little one for their progress with the new routine, e.g. helping to get their bag, eating their breakfast on time, etc. It’s advisable to keep these routines consistent (time to wake up, leave home, nap time) on off-school days as well, as it builds a systemic pattern for your child which can regulate their moods better.

This will also support their in-school transition, where they will also establish new routines and ways of working. At Kinderland Academy & Preschool, teachers introduce classroom rules and learning corners in the first week and encourage children to take ownership of their belongings in fun and creative ways. For instance, using photo cut-outs and their names to help them recognise their seat and cubby. This helps them feel at ease at being a part of the school community straightaway.

Are there any resources that can help me prepare my child for starting school?

Loads! In fact, the best source for these is through your child’s preschool itself! You can check with the school for tips, or even get a copy of its daily schedule to replicate the routine at home. Another good way is to read a book with a school theme to ease any jitters ahead of starting school. Stories can help your child visualise and gain a better understanding of what their first day might be like. One great suggestion is Little Owl’s First Day by Alison Brown & Debi Gliori. This is a reassuring tale about Little Owl’s first day at school, which is sure to ease your own little owl’s anxiety.

Do you recommend going for a phased approach when starting school?

If it’s an option, then a phased approach can be a great way to test the water when starting school, with perhaps a half day or a shorter week. It’s also useful if you can stay for the settling-in sessions. At Kinderland Academy & Preschool, new students usually attend school for half a day in the first week, with parents allowed to accompany them for the first two days. This gradual approach allows for an adjustment period where children can get used to their new surroundings with parents around for support.

Parents should be reassured that while they play an important role in getting their children ready for their first day, new starters are in the very best hands at school. Schools will support little ones from the get-go and use a range of fun activities to build friendships and settle quickly.

Schools also have a range of support systems in place. Kinderland Academy & Preschool matches younger children with older preschoolers, who, with the support of their teachers, act as helpful guides for new starters to settle in. Besides, this interaction also helps to build up social-confidence as children interact more comfortably with peers rather than stranger adults.

Your little one is about to start on a super fun adventure and their very own learning journey. And luckily for them, there are plenty of fun experiences, not just inside but also outside the classroom! Whether it’s getting outdoors and up close with nature, like the pupils at Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang, who enjoy exploring the Animal Sanctuary, or the chance to establish friendships and learn from seniors through the partnership with Lions Befrienders. Learning within and beyond the classrooms can fulfil a child’s naturally inquisitiveness, developing them to be eager learners. Plus, learning through intended activities helps them build characters as leaders of tomorrow. Have