What do they need to know?
Preparing for school is much more about their dispositions for learning and emotions than it is about their achievements and abilities. The true aim is to send in a confident, independent and happy child to school. A child who is ready to learn.
Here is a brief list of areas that would really be helpful for them to have mastered securely before they start and a place to begin if your child is ready and keen.
- Encourage their independence in dressing/undressing, taking their shoes on and off
- Practice using the bathroom independently – especially wiping their bottom and washing/drying hands.
- Read to them. “If you want your children to be intelligent read them fairy tales” – Einstein.
- Find the maths in the everyday without “teaching”: Count steps; notice shapes when you’re out and about; ask them to get spoons for the whole family for ice cream. Make it fun!
- Teach them to recognise their own name. Be playful with it.
- If they are interested, and they enjoy mark-making, you could teach them to write their name – please remember to teach a capital first and then lower case. Saves a lot of time and energy later on!
Leave a Reply