Schooling is one of the most critical phases of a child’s life. As a new – and sometimes daunting – world for children it’s important that parents do what they can to ready their children for this new chapter of life. If you’re a parent looking for tips to prepare your child for school, we’ve curated a list of ways in which you can do so.
Visit the school with your child
It is important to familiarise both you and your little one with the new environment where your child is going to spend a considerable amount of their time. Many leading Montessori childcare and schools allow families to be shown around, get a better feel for the ambience, check the classes and understand whether it’s the perfect place for your child. The best Montessori school is a unique combination of fun and education and offers a great environment for your child to spend their early years.
Try to visit during operating hours so you can observe how children interact with educators and one another. This also gives your child the opportunity to explore the new surroundings at their own pace. Walking through the classrooms, play areas, and common spaces together helps ease anxiety and builds familiarity.
Introduce your child to the teachers
As with any unfamiliar territory, your child may be apprehensive of the new environment and may be reluctant to attend school. A great way of overcoming this is by introducing your child to their educators or teachers. Montessori teachers understand how to make this transition a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your child.
Where possible, allow time for a brief conversation between your child and their future educators. A friendly greeting, a smile, or a short chat can go a long way in creating a sense of connection. Children often feel more at ease when they recognise familiar faces on their first day.
You may also wish to share a little about your child’s personality, interests, or routines with the educators. This helps them offer tailored support during the early weeks of transition.
Talk to your child
A critical step to ensure your child is ready for school is talking to them. Create a positive image of what they will be doing at school; talk about the opportunity of meeting new friends, exploring new spaces, learning new things and developing as a person.
Keep these conversations short, simple, and upbeat. Avoid overwhelming your child with too many details at once. Focus on the things they may look forward to, such as choosing their own snacks, painting, or playing outdoors.
Books and stories about starting school can also be helpful. These introduce key ideas in a relatable way and open up space for your child to ask questions or express concerns.
Practice
Another great way to ensure your child is familiar with school life is by running through what a typical day will look like when they start school. Wake them up in the morning, get ready, have breakfast, and walk or drive the same route with them that they’ll be taking when they start school.
You can also help them practise self-care routines such as putting on their shoes, packing their bag, or using the toilet independently. These daily tasks build your child’s confidence and sense of autonomy, which supports a smoother start.
Role-playing can also be helpful. Set up a pretend classroom at home where your child can act out activities like group time, story reading, or packing away toys. This encourages familiarity and makes the idea of childcare feel fun and exciting.
Most importantly, approach the first day with calm and encouragement. It is normal for children to experience a mix of emotions when starting something new. Offer reassurance and acknowledge their feelings, while reminding them that they are safe, supported, and capable.