Skip the ABC’S and 123’s for now! Your child will learn these things at school in good time. Starting school or nursery is a significant milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with excitement, learning, and growth. However, it can also be a time of great anxiety and adjustment. As a children's occupational therapist, I understand the importance of helping children develop the functional, emotional and cognitive skills they need to thrive in their new environment. Here are some tips you can jump on board with over the summer months to prepare your child for this important transition in September:
1. Establish a Routine
Consistency and predictability help children feel secure and understand what to expect. Whilst we should allow for flexibility and less structure over the summer months work on establishing a morning and evening routine which can be carried forward throughout the school year.
Create a morning routine that mirrors what the school day will look like. This could include waking up at the same time, getting dressed, and having breakfast.
An evening routine that includes winding down activities, such as reading a book, playing with playdoh before bed or taking a bath, can help ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Consistent bedtimes are crucial.
A visual schedule can be helpful for many children in particular those who struggle with transitions and routine so this may be something you think about using for the activities above to help your child to see what is coming next and keep them on task.
2. Encourage Independence
Fostering independence helps children feel confident and capable. Teach your child to dress themselves, use the toilet independently, and wash their hands. Start with easier items of clothing such as pyjamas, loose t-shirts, jogging bottoms before moving on to tricker items such as socks, clothes with zips/ buttons etc. Practice these skills daily. Teach your child how to put on/ take off his or her coat and shoes or wellington boots- these activities are a common part of the school routine from an early age.
Give your child small tasks or chores to do around the house, such as tidying up toys or helping set the table. This promotes a sense of responsibility, boosts self esteem and confidence.
3. Develop Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body and are crucial for activities such as running, jumping, and balancing. Developing these skills is essential for children as they prepare for school, where they'll engage in physical play, navigate the playground, and participate in physical education classes.
Play ball games, do obstacle courses, swing, slide and climb. Children need to develop their gross motor skills, learn how their bodies move in space, develop core strength and postural stability before they sit to write, draw or engage in fine motor activities. Simple games like tag, hide and seek, or racing can improve speed, coordination, and agility. Gross motor activities and movement games are also a fantastic way to help your child to regulate their sensory systems!
4. Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are essential for activities like writing, cutting, and manipulating small objects.
Use toys like building blocks, playdough, or threading beads to strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination. Encourage drawing, colouring, and cutting. These activities enhance fine motor control and hand-eye coordination as well as developing pre-writing and scissor skills. Think outside the box and use a range of materials to work on these skills- try jumbo chalks, paint markers, water pens, patterned scissors etc.
Encourage messy play activities, mark make in shaving foam or coloured rice, add in some fine motor tools, scoops, spoons and encourage transferring and pouring and filling!
5. Promote Social Skills
Social interactions are a big part of the school experience. Help your child learn to navigate these successfully. Arrange playdates with peers to practice sharing, taking turns, and communicating. Role-play common social scenarios, such as introducing themselves or asking to join a game. This builds confidence in social situations. Take your child to the playground/ soft play or other places they can interact and play with other children.
6. Build Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience helps children cope with new experiences and challenges. Talk about emotions and help your child identify and express their feelings. Use books or stories to explore different emotions. The Colour Monster is a favourite of mine that I use in many therapy sessions and with my own kids to help them to recognise and identify emotions.
Support your child with regulation and teach them some simple strategies for helping to calm and organise such as deep belly breathing or giving themselves a big tight hug. Teach your child it is ok to express their feelings and let them know their teacher is there to help.
7. Foster a Love of Learning
Cultivating a love for learning can make the transition to school smoother and more enjoyable. Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and encourage your child to ask questions and discuss the story. Take your child to their local library and let them choose their own books, make up stories together, create sensory play activities based around stories and books!
Encourage curiosity and exploration through play. Provide opportunities for your child to explore nature, build with blocks, and engage in imaginative play and role play. Go on a nature hunt, do some bird spotting, make a bug hotel…all of these activities help to excite children and teach them about the world around them!
8. Prepare for the School Environment
Familiarity with the school environment can ease anxiety and make the first day less daunting. If possible, visit the school or nursery before the first day. Show your child their classroom, playground, and other key areas, meet with their teacher and classroom assistant. Ask your childs’ new school to send you some pictures of their classroom, key areas, their teacher etc and create a little booklet that your child can look at and that you can talk about in the lead up to school commencing.
Inform the school of any specific needs or concerns your child may have. Provide relevant information about their likes, dislikes, and any strategies that may help to support them throughout the school day.
Preparing your child for starting school or nursery involves a combination of practical skills, emotional readiness, and familiarity with new routines. By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can help your child to feel more confident and excited about this new adventure.
Remember, every child is unique, and it’s important to tailor these strategies to fit their individual needs. Some children will require more support than others and that is ok. If you feel your child would benefit from increased support in relation to this transition please do reach out, we offer one to one parent coaching, occupational therapy support and school readiness groups. Also remember, enjoy your summer with your little one! Don’t become so stressed and worried about school starting that you miss the joy and playfulness of summertime with your family. Make memories and enjoy this time together!
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