Preparing to Start School for the First Time
Image Description: Children walking to school with backpacks on. Photo by note thanun on Unsplash
Starting school is a significant milestone in any child's life. For parents of children with developmental delay or disability, preparing for this transition can be both exciting and challenging. The key to a successful start is careful planning and communication. Here are some valuable tips to guide you in getting ready for the exciting adventure of your child starting Kindergarten in 2024.
Establish a Consistent Routine:
Begin by practicing familiar Kindergarten routines at home. Engage your child in activities like reading, simple tabletop tasks (e.g., playdough or collage), or even sticking one item to a page. Another example can be practice drinking from the drink bottle they’ll be using at school, which can provide comfort as it’s familiar.
Consistency is crucial, as it helps your child adapt to the structure of school life.
Familiarise Your Child with the School Environment:
Drive by the school with your child to make them more familiar with the environment. Point out the building, the playground, and any other notable areas.
Take opportunities to visit the school, such as dropping off forms or attending orientation events. Familiarity can ease anxiety for both you and your child.
Involve Your Child in Preparations:
Encourage your child to participate in the preparation process for school. This can include shopping for school supplies, picking out their uniform, and labeling their belongings.
Involving your child in these activities can help them feel more connected to the idea of going to school.
Open Communication with the Teacher:
Establish an open line of communication with your child's teacher. Share information about your child's specific needs and requirements.
Developing a personalized profile for your child is a valuable tool. Here’s an example template (from page 12 of Ready.Set.School booklet): https://reimagine.org.au/practitioner/helpful-tools-and-resources/. This profile assists the teacher in gaining a deeper understanding of your child and provides the necessary insights to offer tailored support.
Engage with Your Child's Therapy Team:
If your child has a therapy team, communicate with them about your child's transition to Kindergarten. They can provide valuable insights and tips to ease the process.
These professionals may also have recommendations for your child's teacher to ensure they receive the necessary support.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Connect with other parents who may have shared similar experiences; you're not alone in this journey. And don’t hesitate to lean on your child's therapy team, who likely have extensive experience in supporting families during the transition to school.