Kindergarten Transition 2011

1. Kindergarten Transition 2011 Bonnells Bay Public School

2. Supporting Independence • Make sure that the clothes that are worn to school are easy to put on and take off, and that lunches and snacks are easy to unwrap.

3. Use shoes with Velcro fasteners until your child can manage shoelaces – tying shoelaces is in fact, a high-level cognitive skill!

4. Label everything- including lunch boxes and drink bottles!

5. Put an extra pair of undies and shorts in a plastic bag; accidents do happen and it reassures children to know that they have ‘back-up’ supplies!

6. Expect that children may be tired in the first few weeks at school, even if they have been in pre-school or care. A cuddle, drink and a snack with some quiet time in the afternoon is always helpful.

7. Make sure children have sufficient sleep. Children can’t focus properly if they are over-tired.

8. Ask about their school day, but expect a shrug or a simple “good”. Ask questions like “What was your favourite thing you did today?” or “Tell me about your drawing”.

9. Minimising Stress • Tell children what you are doing through the day – they do wonder if Mum, Dad, Aunty or Grandma will be OK while they are at school.

10. Especially for the first few weeks, make sure you wait close to the pick up area and are on time. A few minutes waiting can seem like a long time for a 5 year old.

11. If you’re going to be delayed, let the school know and ask them to be sure to tell your child what is happening.

12. Keep your contact details updated, including mobile numbers, so that the office staff or teachers can get in contact with you in case of an emergency.

13. Healthy Eating • The best way to get your child to eat lunch at school is to pack what you know they like; even then they may be too excited to eat all of their lunch.

14. Pack a frozen drink in the lunch box in the summer to help keep the food cold.

15. Make sure that little fingers can open each pack. This can be practised at home prior to starting school.

16. Include an occasional treat. Please don’t send food to be shared with your child’s friends, as this can cause a problem in relation to allergies or cultural differences.

17. If your child has a food allergy, make sure everyone knows the exact nature of it and what to do in an emergency.

18. We have a canteen, and many children enjoy ordering their lunch. Choosing healthy options with your child and encouraging this behaviour is helpful.

19. Not wanting to go to school Children might find it difficult to separate from their home or family when starting school. Some children may just take longer to feel comfortable in new situations.

20. Separation Anxiety – the child may think something bad will happen to the parent while they are away.

21. Jealousy- if there is a younger sibling at home, your child may resent the time you spend with the younger child. If there is a new baby on the way, your child may want to spend more time with you.

22. Problems at school – talk to your child and find out why they don’t want to go to school. If there is a problem, speak to a teacher.