Page 32 - PR Mag Dec17-Jan18

School’s Back In

School starts back on the 22nd January 2018. If your
child is starting school this year, here are some handy
tips from the Department of Education to help make
the transition into schooling as easy as possible
for everyone.
You can help your child prepare for their first year of school by improving
their independence, having a daily routine, packing a healthy lunch, know-
ing your school, getting involved with your school, doing family activities
at home.and improving your child’s independence.
Before your child starts school, you should encourage them to be inde-
pendent by helping them practice packing and carrying their own school
bag, putting on their shoes, eating and drinking without help, going to
the toilet on their own, using tissues to blow their nose, recognising their
belongings and being aware of daily routines. Daily routines can help chil-
dren understand what they need to do, when to do it each day and why it’s
important
It’s best to get them into a routine which includes going to bed early, wak-
ing up at a certain time (leaving plenty of time to get ready), having a
healthy breakfast - needed for energy and concentration, preparing and
eating lunch, plus try to make time for some physical activity. Before your
child starts school, make sure you talk to them about what to expect. Re-
member to be flexible, as it may take them some time to understand their
new routine and adjust socially.
When packing your child’s lunch, provide healthy and filling food and
drinks (not sweets and chips) in realistic quantities for morning tea and
lunch, make sure they can easily open wrapped items and their lunch box,
provide a variety of smaller items instead of 1 or 2 large items, provide a
water bottle every day and encourage your child to use it. Find information
on the healthy food and drink options at the school tuckshop. You can con-
tact your school or check their website for more information on healthy
eating options for your child.
Help your child get to know the school environment and routine by driv-
ing past and walking around the school, especially during school hours, so
your child gets used to the number of children, and their movements with-
in the school grounds. Check-in with the school’s administration before
walking around the school, asking the school what equipment and materi-
als your child needs, like a school bag, library bag or hat. Most schools will
have a list. Make sure all possessions are labelled with your child’s name.
Before their first day, your child should know how to easily find their class-
room and where to put their things, including their school bag and hat.
They should know where they’ll have their lunch breaks, where to meet
you each day when school is finished or where they’ll go for before and af-
ter school care. Encourage them to ask a teacher if they need help! Contact
your school for more information if you’re unsure yourself.
Take an interest in their schooling, be positive about it and let them know
it’s important to attend. Get involved with their school by meeting the
teacher, informing the teacher of any changes affecting your child, talking
to other parents, volunteering (e.g. in the tuckshop), reading school news-
letters and bulletin boards, attending school events like parent association
meetings, fetes, open days or sporting carnivals.
You can also help your child’s progress at school by doing family activities
including reading aloud (which helps to develop concentration and aware-
ness of language patterns) and writing with them. For example: shopping
lists and letters. Stimulate their imagination and natural curiosity, e.g. visit
a zoo, park or airport, play sports and card or board games. This helps
develop mathematical, problem solving, language and social skills. Include www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
them in your shopping, walking or gardening and sing songs and nursery Phone: 3205 0555
rhymes together. All the best for a great year Preppies!

December 2017 - January 2018 www.pineriversqld.com.au 33