Exmissions

Children’s lives today are so much busier than ever before. Starting pre-school for the first time and then progressing through, as a child grows and develops before moving onto school are often considered as a normal part of the lives of children.

However, transitions are milestones for children and have a definite impact on their learning, development and well-being. These milestones mark exciting change for children along with being introduced to new experiences and opportunities.

For some children, transitions can bring uncertainty because their environment is not the same. Expectations, routines and rules are different and faces are not yet familiar. Ensuring transitions are seamless is essential for every child and should not be seen as a single event that just ‘happens’.

Transitions should be viewed as a process rather than an event that involves children, teachers and parents together. Transitions can be better described as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

As well as the amazing activities your child’s teacher will be carrying out in pre-school; there are lots of ways that you can help your child prepare for school at home. Below are a few ideas to help:

• Talk with your child about starting school. Make the most of ‘special’ times where it is just you and your child such as at bath time, on the way or when waiting for a something, at other times like at the table when the family are together eating or when you are out with friends. Ask them what they think it will be like? What are they most looking forward to? Is there anything they’re unsure or worried about?
• Look at the school’s brochure, prospectus or website together and talk about the pictures.
• Collect and look through photos of you and other family members at school and talk about the happy and positive memories from your own school days.
• Where possible visit the school with your child before they start. As well as the formal open days, try to attend fetes, plays and other events.
• If your child seems anxious about school, try focusing on the things they’ll like best. For example, it could be the sandpit, playhouse or new friends.
• Talk to your child’s class teacher in pre-school who will be able to support you to find out the names of the other children starting the same school and put you in touch with their parents. You could arrange play dates together for the children as well as creating a support network for yourselves.
• Practice the school morning routine as much as possible, including getting dressed and eating a good breakfast in time to leave. It’s a great idea to practice the school run too, so that you’re both prepared for what to expect on the journey. If your child has a particular worry such as not liking the food or feeling ill, talk about these concerns with them and with their teacher. Provide reassurance by discussing what to do and who to tell in these situations.
• If your child has a comforter (a toy or a thing child feels associated to), try to get them used to being without it during the day. Talk to the Teacher to find out if your child is allowed to bring their comforter to begin with and leave it in a tray.
• If your child is going to any activity class, talk this through with them. If the childcare arrangement is new, try a settling-in period for this before the school term starts. Try putting together a visual time table of the week to help your child know what to expect.

It’s natural to feel nervous about your child starting school but they can easily pick up on your emotions. Try to be relaxed and positive, rather than showing your own nerves.

• Don’t make comments such as “I hated school” or “I was rubbish at school” which could shape a negative attitude.
• Try not to bombard your child with endless talk about school. Be relaxed and treat it in a matter-of-fact way that will help to comfort an anxious child, rather than focusing on the “big change ahead” and lots of reference to “big school”.
• Don’t ‘over sell’ school, as your little one may feel let down or mistrustful if

It doesn’t live up to expectations! If you have any concerns or would like to discuss any aspect of your child starting school, just speak to your child’s class teacher or Centre Head / Manager.
Starting School is an important milestone for every child and their family. At DFS we believe that when children leave our centers to embark on the next chapter in their lives, we must do all we can to support and celebrate this transition, ensuring the children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning – this year is no different.
At Discover First Step we prepare our students to succeed, wherever their future may take them and at whatever stage that next move might happen.
Our graduates seamlessly progress to the finest formal schools. First Step plays a vital role in supporting our young graduate’s transition from preschool to elementary school.
We know this future may differ for each of our families, but there is a common strand that runs through all; to ensure our students leave us ready and able to take on the challenges of their next opportunity, prepared academically, socially and emotionally.
We recognize that deciding upon the next school can be a stressful decision and that the school can play a fundamental role in aiding the decision making process from identification of suitable schools, looking at timelines for when best to apply, exam preparation, interviews, and advising on acceptances.
Our Outplacement Plan begins within the premise that each child is unique and has his/her own learning style and needs. During their preschool years we take great care to learn about each of our students and to appreciate their strengths, disposition, and academic abilities.
Each year, during the full semester, parents are invited to our ongoing seminars. The school administration meets one on one with each family to offer attention and direction in navigating parents through this important process of choosing the most suitable schools for their children.