Positive Transition to School: Expert Tips for a Smooth Start

1. Encourage Independence: Help your child practice skills such as dressing themselves, using the toilet independently, and tidying up after play. These self-care skills are vital for building confidence at school..

2. Develop Listening Skills: School requires lots of listening. You can promote this skill by talking to your child about their day and carefully listening to their responses. By doing this, you are role-modelling effective listening skills, which are crucial for a positive transition to school.

3. Build Communication Skills: Encourage storytelling, and read books together that focus on starting school. This helps children express themselves and prepares them for classroom discussions.

4. Practice Fine Motor Skills: Before letters, numbers, or pictures come simple marks. Mark-making is a fantastic way to build early writing skills, which are essential for a positive transition to school.

• Painting the shed with water
• Writing with sticks in mud
• Zooming toy bikes or cars through puddles to make tracks
• Sketching with chunky chalks on tarmac

5. Encourage Problem-Solving: Everyday challenges involve problem-solving, which makes your child a natural mathematician. Simple activities such as counting items during play or sorting objects by size or colour can encourage these skills.

6. Self-Care and Hygiene: Support your child in managing their personal hygiene. Practicing using the toilet independently and washing and drying their hands will help them feel more confident at school, contributing to a positive transition to school.

7. Dressing Practice: Try practice sessions where your child gets dressed in their school uniform (or designated ‘school clothes’). This reduces stress on the first day and helps them manage dressing for PE sessions.

8. Lunchtime Skills: Playing games like ‘cafés’ and encouraging your child to carry a small tray can prepare them for lunchtime routines. Practicing with a knife, fork, and spoon can help too, ensuring a smooth positive transition to school.

9. Shoe Independence: Teach your child how to put on their shoes and manage the fastenings. Choosing shoes that are easy to manage will also make this step easier.

10. Scissor Skills and Fine Motor Development: Encourage your child to use child-sized scissors and develop their crayon grip. Picking up small objects with their thumb and first two fingers strengthens hand muscles, preparing them for writing tasks.

11. Establish a Routine: A good bedtime routine in the weeks before school starts can help children adjust to the school day. Regular breakfast and morning routines will also support a positive transition to school.

12. Emotional Readiness: Remember, children don’t need to be able to read, write, or do sums before they start school. What’s most important is that you enjoy time together and focus on developing confidence, independence, and curiosity, all key aspects of a positive transition to school.