Getting Ready for School

I can’t quite believe that the time for my little baby boy to start school is here. September 2021 is the month when I lose my free weekdays with him. I won’t lie, there have been times when I have prayed for these days to come. But, now that they are almost here I can feel my anxiety creeping higher and higher. Of course he was always going to start school, that was inevitable but how did it come around so quickly? I digress.

With the school start fast approaching I know that I will feel so much better if I can prepare him for it as much as possible. Whilst simultaneously helping any of you fellow mums that are also feeling this apprehension of losing your babies to reception year.

It felt only right that I enlist the help of my life long friend and school teacher Rob, who has been teaching primary school now for several years.

He shared with me his tips for parents on getting your child school ready for their first year. This advice is applicable to infant and primary school starters, and you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not an extensive list but easily achievable for all families.

So let’s start with something that is super simple and easy to fit into everyday without noticing your even doing it.

Number one: Talking. Sounds obvious and simple doesn’t it. But, sometimes I think we can miss great conversation opportunities. Not through fault of our own but just because life can seem a bit too busy. There are many ways in which we can engage children in conversation and these include but are not restricted to playing, cooking (just explaining what we are doing), walking to nursery, when we are shopping in the supermarket we can talk about what we are buying. The list is endless. But anyway we can broaden their vocabulary is a win win even if it is as boring as telling them what shopping you are buying. Interaction is vital for getting them ready to start school. With the above in mind, finding some pictures and talking to them about their new school/ classroom would be a great thing to do over the summer before school starts. That way they are already familiar with the space.

Number Two: Following the above, the second item is reading. Once again it’s super simple and easy. Reading with your child daily is great for their reading, speech and writing development. Allowing them to notice and recognise words and phrases. So pop down to your local bookshop or library, check out charity shops for books and create your own little mini library at home. I have found some amazing books in charity shops including one that is really hard to get here in the UK. We now have two little book shelves filled with children’s books. One upstairs and one downstairs. I personally have tried to get into the habit of buying one new book a month (or a couple of second hand ones).

Number Three: Next up is experience. Providing your child with different experiences is a great way for them to learn. This comes in many forms and can sometimes depend on your budget. However, simple and thoroughly enjoyable experiences can be had by anyone in any circumstances. Trips to the local park or beach, play dates and creative pursuits (painting, building, making things etc), nature treasure hunts are always fun and puddle stomping when it rains.

Number Four: Is all about the basics and can be done easily within your home. Ensuring that your children are confident with using the toilet and with that an understanding of toilet and general hygiene. Another is using cutlery especially if they will be having school dinners. Finally, ensuring that they are comfortable with getting dressed and changed for physical education.

Number Five: Finally and more importantly enjoy spending time with your children doing things that they will do less of at school. Reading, talking, playing, creative and practice experiences. Look out for local open days for example our local fire station often has a yearly open day for families. It’s a great experience for children and adults and covers safety but also is super fun and educational as well. Plus many of these types of experiences are free or cost very little.

With social media allowing a great advertising space there are so many great things happening that can keep you busy and having fun all year around. All of which provide great opportunities for talking and reading too.

I really hope that these simple suggestions help you and your child get school ready and that the transition goes well for you all.

Thanks for reading,

Charlotte & Laura

——

Charlotte and Laura are so grateful to you for having a read. If you’d like to support us on Instagram please find us @mummabloommag otherwise please do check out our other posts all centred around motherhood.