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Preparing Your Little One for the Start of School
Lisa Li
Co-Head of Early Years
As we approach the end of summer break, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and check in with every one of you. I hope that you all are doing well and that your summer has been full of fun and adventure.
Before the break began, many of you signed up for the "Welly and I See the World" Program, and I want to let you know how excited I am to see all the pictures from your travels! I hope that your experiences were everything you hoped for and more.
As we head into the new school year, I want to know - have you been missing your classrooms, teachers, and friends? I'm sure all of us have been missing each other, and I want you to know that we are eager to see you all again and get back to learning and growing together. And your teachers have been missing you too! We have been working hard to prepare for your return and create exciting new experiences for you in the coming year.
In some very exciting news, the incredible Melissa Meyers and I will now be co-leading The Nest, our outstanding Early Years school and we are both eager to witness your growth and development throughout the year. Ms Meyers will be introducing herself in more detail soon, but for now, she has a message and some tips for you all to help prepare you for your return to school.
We are counting down the days until we are all together again. Enjoy the remaining days of your summer break, and I'll see you all very soon!
Melissa Meyers
Co-Head of Early Years/
Head of Junior School
As the summer holidays draw to a close and the start of the school year approaches, you may find yourself feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about your child's big transition into the school environment again or for the first time. It's a significant milestone, not just for your little one but for the whole family. Here are some practical tips to help ease the journey into the routine of school again.
FOSTER INDEPENDENCE
Encouraging your child to perform small tasks independently can make a big difference. Simple activities like dressing themselves, using the bathroom, and washing hands are essential skills. Practice these together and praise their efforts, building their confidence to manage these tasks at school.
CREATE A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
Children thrive on routine, and a predictable daily schedule will help ease the transition. Begin to mimic the school day structure by setting regular times for waking up, meals, and bedtime. This establishes a sense of security and helps them adapt to the school day schedule.
CULTIVATE A LOVE FOR LEARNING
Read to your child daily and engage in playful, educational activities. Introduce them to basic numbers, letters, characters and shapes, but keep it fun without turning it into a pressure-filled experience. Use songs, games, and story times to ignite their curiosity and love for learning.
DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS
Arrange playdates and opportunities for your child to interact with other children. Sharing, taking turns, and cooperative play are critical social skills they will use in the classroom. Observing and guiding them during these interactions helps them learn appropriate social behaviours.
FAMILIARIZE THEM WITH THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
If possible, visit the school together before the first day. We have scheduled Tuesday 20th August for this. New families from 8:30am. Meeting their teacher, seeing the classroom, and exploring the playground can alleviate fears and make the new environment feel more familiar and welcoming.
ENCOURAGE OPEN COMMUNICATION
Talk positively about school and listen to any fears or anxieties your child may express. Reassure them that it's okay to feel nervous, and share stories of your own school experiences to make them feel understood and supported.
PACK TOGETHER
Involve your child in packing their school bag. Let them choose their backpack, label their belongings, and discuss what items they will need each day. This involvement gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
ESTABLISH GOODBYES
Create a short and loving goodbye ritual, whether it’s a kiss, a special handshake, or a few encouraging words. Consistent goodbyes help your child understand that you will always return, making separations less daunting.
Finally, remember that the transition to school is a big step for both you and your child. Patience, encouragement, and a positive attitude will go a long way in setting the tone for a successful and enjoyable start to their educational journey. Embrace this new chapter with warmth and optimism, and watch your little one thrive!
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