Start of school is a big transition for kids.
I’ve met many parents as a Kindergarten teacher that are concerned about their kids’ reading and numeracy skills since the age of 3.
Nevertheless, learning their letters and numbers should be the last of our worries as parents.
Children need support emotionally and practically.
A positive start to school can have a great impact on children’s learning success in the future.
This post is all about essential and simple tips for parents, whose children start school.
Also, parents of babies and toddlers can benefit from this post,
as it includes ideas on how to support their kids develop essential-for-school skills.
Is there a best age to start school?
In most countries children start primary school from 5 to 7 years of age. That means that children should be able to …. by the age of 5, 6 or 7 accordingly. Nevertheless, a 5-year-old child may struggle with tasks that are a piece of cake for another.
Stanford researchers revealed that the kids whose parents waited until age 6 (instead of 5) to enrol them in kindergarten had better measures of self-control, when measured at ages 7 and 11 comparing to their peer. Also, the same researchers found that kids, who started kindergarten a year later than average students, had 73% better scores on tests of their hyperactivity and inattention 4 years later.
Starting school too early though has been found to have a detrimental effect on kids and their mental health. In a study published in 2017, British researchers determined that the younger a child was in comparison to their peers, the more likely they would have poorer mental health. They determined the younger kids were experiencing stress as they tried to keep up with older peers.
Developmental psychology research emphasizes the importance of imaginative play in aiding children’s emotional and intellectual self-regulation. “Children who delay their school starting age may have an extended (and appropriately timed) exposure to such playful environments,” the study noted.
The main point of these researches is that we don’t need as parents to rush children off to school. Nevertheless, no matter what is required by law in your country regarding the children’s age when starting school, we will focus on their skills in this article. Instead of a child’s birthday, a baseline of skills should determine children’s school readiness. This includes the ability to use the bathroom alone, tie their shoelaces, open their lunchbox or separate emotionally from caregivers.
Let’s see how we can support all children make a positive start to school since their babyhood!
School preparation since babyhood
Language development
According to international research, these two factors indicate learning success in the first years of school and beyond: self-regulation and language development. It is clear that language development starts as soon as babies -or even unborn babies- hear people talk. Nowadays, all professionals agree that parents should read books to babies, even if they think they don’t understand or waste their time. Also, research has shown that face to face talking and interacting to babies is more beneficial than watching videos of people talking. Here is a very interesting video from Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University about brain building in babies. Responding to baby’s babbling and playing games like ’round and round the garden…tickle under here’ can be beneficial for baby’s language development. Last but not least, music and songs can contribute to development of early literacy. As we discussed in another post, songs help kids learn how to put sounds, words and phrases together, they get exposed to new words and concepts and they develop their phonological and phonemic awareness. Read here three simple ideas on how to support your children’s early literacy development through music. Self-regulation will be discussed in the following category.
Social skills
Children, who have had opportunities to develop social skills from babyhood find it easier to adapt to school. Watch parents in this video to share stories about their children’s social development. They explain how children develop social skills through regular contact and socialising with others since they are babies. Children develop a sense of self, as well as confidence and social skills like teamwork and sharing through socialising with children and adults of their environment.
Physical development
Fine motor skills are important for writing in school. Parents need to understand that the development of these skills relies upon the development of physical skills. Therefore, it is crucial to support kids’ physical development from a young age. It is important for babies to do tummy time, learn to crawl, pull up themselves and so on in order to strengthen their core trunk, shoulders and arms. By this, I don’t mean pushing babies to reach milestones. Instead, support them based on their abilities and skills to reach one milestone after the other. Many parents say “don’t worry, they’ll catch up eventually” and that is true. However, this should not be an excuse for leaving babies in a playpen or turning a screen on for too long. These are all fine in moderation, but it’s always better, whenever you get the chance, to actively play with them, interact or take them outdoors to explore and strengthen their muscles!
School preparation during toddlerhood, Kinder age and the year before school starts
Kindergarten teachers probably will help children learn their letters and numbers. This learning can, also, be supported by the use of certain apps or educational videos. However, there are other skills that parents should focus on before children start school.
Executive function and self-regulation
Executive function and self-regulation are two of the most important traits children can possess in their early years. These two skills depend on three types of brain function: working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. These skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, concentrate, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully, according to the Center on the Developing Child. Unfortunately, kids aren’t born with these skills. Nevertheless, they are born with the potential to develop them. Parents can provide opportunities to their children to cultivate these skills. Particularly, establishing routines, modeling social behavior and creating and maintaining supportive, reliable relationships are crucial for the development of executive function. Children can, also, practise their skills through activities that foster creative play and social connection, learn how to cope with stress, involve vigorous exercise and provide opportunities for directing their own actions (with decreasing adult supervision over time).
Language development
Children’s language is paramount for thinking, learning and social development according to international experts. As children grow, parents can hold rich conversations with them using rich vocabulary. High-quality digital material can also challenge thinking, encourage conversation and develop early literacy skills. When there are lots of books at home, children do better at school based on research. Keep reading lots of books with your kids. Books about space, volcanoes, castles, dinosaurs or any other favourite topic can get your child attention easily. Last but not least, keep having fun with songs, rhymes and jingles!
Social skills
Social skills are critical for new students as they are about getting along with others, manage relationships and build and maintain solid friendships. Friendships will eventually help your child settle into school and look forward to going each day! Young children need to learn how to join other children’s play, listen and respect others. Also, developing empathy is important for young children. Parents should start talking about their own and their children feelings and then discuss other people’s feelings. For instance, parents can model how their kids can introduce themselves and ask a child to play together at a playground. In addition, playdates as well Preschool and Kindergarten can contribute to practising and developing social skills.
Motor skills
Gross and fine motor skills are still developing in these years. Specifically, fine motor skills include finger and hand skills such as writing, cutting, opening lunch boxes, and tying shoelaces. Activities, such as cutting with scissors, holding and drawing/writing with pencils, games like jenga (fine motor skills) or running, climbing and balancing (gross motor skills) are crucial for children’s physical development. Good core trunk control as well as shoulder, arms and fingers strength provide the stable base from which the arm and hand can then move with control and succeed writing. Good motor skills boost children’s confidence and self-esteem and they develop their independence. This can also lead to toilet independence, which is important for school.
School preparation during the month leading to the first day of school
-> Get your child into consistent sleep routines:
This means regular sleep and wake times, even on the weekend, before school starts.
-> Familiarise them with the school and the area:
If orientation programs are offered, join with your child. It’d be great if you could meet the teacher, the principal or senior staff. Closer to the start date, show your kid photos of the school, go for a walk around the area or spend some time (e.g. playing) in the school yard, if possible. Also, make sure that your child knows the pick-up and drop-off area or how they will go to school each day.
-> Go for shopping:
The teacher might give you a list of things and stationery you need to buy. Nevertheless, include your child in the exciting process of buying a few new things for school or just the bag! It doesn’t have to be expensive stuff! I want to reassure you that children can be very creative and make even a simple bag very special. They can draw something on it -if you allow- or add keyrings, ribbons and stickers!
-> Create a study area at home:
Well-sized desk, easy-reach storage, comfortable height-adjustable chair, desk lamp for good lighting are all crucial for a child’s first study area. In addition, practical organisers to keep the desk tidy and decorations for the right motivation can be great for the study area. Affordable options and second-hand furniture can easily create a beautiful area for new students!
-> Read story books:
You can read together any books that mention school experiences, like show and tell, or stories that are written to prepare children for school. From a funny book like We Don’t Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book to a heartwarming picture book like A letter from your teacher, books can prepare new students on what to expect or get them excited about this new chapter of their life.
-> Watch -school related or not- movies:
Either you watch Finding Nemo or The Peanuts movie you can initiate a conversation about school. Some parents would, also, recommend School of Rock. However, first have a look at parents reviews to find out if you would prefer to watch it, when your kids are a bit older.
Simple things like that can have a great impact on kids’ excitement, motivation and learning success!
What if my child lacks some skills?
If your children start school soon and you think they lack some skills, there are plenty of accommodations that can be made. Some kids may not be as “ready” as their peers and that’s okay. Be resourceful as simple things can support students with a smooth transition to school. For example, if they don’t have the dexterity yet to tie shoelaces, then wearing slip-on shoes will be the best option for them.
Groups of children such as neurodivergent children, need different support in developing, for instance, social skills. Also, extra intervention services are offered in many countries that support children in their learning and development. Don’t even be sceptical about letting your child’s teachers know about any possible support that your child needs. Don’t be worried about labeling your child in this way. Your child might only need a boost for a positive start! Informing teachers from the beginning will help your children avoid labeling and bullying for life!
Nevertheless, when it comes time to make enrollment decisions, parents should consider more than just their child. Parents need to consider the school and the teachers, too. Parents should have a tour at the schools and learn more about the educational program and get to know the teachers of their children. There are schools and teachers that are much more tolerant and much more amenable to kids, who need extra support. Envision your child in the context of what the educational program demands. Check if the school’s philosophy aligns to your own values and aspirations.
Last thoughts
- If you don’t have good school memories, try to put them behind you.
- Talk positively about the chosen school with your child, but still no need to build up unrealistic expectations.
- Listen to any concerns that your child has and answer questions.
- If you know that there are no familiar peers in your child’s school or classroom, try to connect with another family with a child going to the same class.
- Don’t forget that your child needs to feel secure and safe during this big transition. Make everything clear and have fun together! Remind them more often that you are proud of them and you love them!
If you would like to empower and protect your kid from bullying, read through our guide.
This post was all about preparing children for learning success.
Preparation can start early, however we discussed various skills except from learning letters and numbers.
Children, who have a great start to school, feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to learn.
Also, they are confident learners and social beings.
Last, but not least, they develop a sense of belonging to the school community.
