By Denise Teo
Primary school can be very daunting for our little ones and can send jitters for us as parents. It is often likened to going out to the “real” world where class sizes are bigger, teachers are viewed to be less patient and very often your child is left to fend for him or herself. Our children, who used to be the biggest and oldest in the preschool, have become the new kid on the block overnight.
Next year, it will be the second time I’m sending my child off to primary school. I am filled with excitement and measured worry. I wonder how he would fare in the formal school system, if he would make good friends like how he has in the preschool. I wonder if the academic demands would get to him and if he would make good choices.
Thanks to my experience with my first child, I know what to expect and how to mentally prepare my K2 boy and equip him with skills to help him confidently transit to Primary 1.
Here are 10 tips you can use in your daily routine with your soon to be P1 child.
1. Involve your child every step of the way
Invite them to be part of purchasing their school bags, files, pencil cases, water bottles, books, shoes and uniform. Involve them in labelling their belongings with their names. You can talk to them about which subjects each books are for, and even start reading some of it with your child.
2. Encourage your child to ask for help
One cannot expect the same level of care your child receives in preschool in a primary school. Class sizes are bigger and teacher child ratio is 1:30. Hence is it important that children learn to be courageous to ask for help — whether it’s because they’re in trouble or simply unsure about something. I invite my boys to practise asking for utensils or sauces at restaurants and asking passers-by for directions. The point is to get them comfortable in asking their teachers for help.
3. Teach them to tell the time
You can start with full hours and progress to half-hours, 15-minute blocks and finally minutes. This is an excellent chance to count by fives and learn multiplication at the same time!
4. Teach them what makes $1
K2 Children should know numbers from 1 to 10 very well – this includes number bonds where they know which 2 numbers make 10. This learning can be translated to number bonds that make up $1, e.g. 80c and 20c, 70c and 30c, etc. These skills would help come in handy at recess time. Rest assured though, that canteen uncles and aunties are not out to cheat our children. They are definitely a community that want our children to be successful during their favourite period of the school day – recess time!
5. Practice daily check-ins
Listen without judgement when your child shares about his day. My older son shared he was afraid to buy noodle soup (even though he loves it very much) as he witnessed a child dropping a bowl on the floor. I took the chance to encourage him to buy other food items and try new foods every week.
One of the things I have learnt is to hold my tongue and listen without judgement especially when he recounts the bad choices he or his friends have made — how you react will determine how much they tell you in the future. Try using responses like “Tell me more” and “I want to hear what you think about this”. This way of responding fosters trust and helps break down the barrier for future sharing.
6. Talk about school positively
Please do not seed fear in your child’s heart. Always speak about school in a positive light! Sometimes, teachers can be strict because the class size is bigger and she needs to ensure that everyone learns and benefits. Your child should not be afraid if he orshe does what is expected of him. Homework is there to help them to learn and not give unnecessary stress.
7. Have a schedule
Before and after school schedules create a sense of predictability for our children. Involve your child in planning for this schedule. Continue to priortise play and outdoor time for children. They spend a lot of time in school being confined to the classroom, and there is a fair bit of screen time as teachers use interactive whiteboards and projectors to teach. Hence, children need to move and spend time outdoors to keep myopia and germs at bay.
8. Have an early bedtime
Research has shown that it is optimal for 7-year-olds to have 9 to 11 hours of sleep at night. Please ensure your child sleeps early so he or she is ready for a full day of learning in school. You may fret over his late bedtime now, but not to worry. A habit takes 21 days to form. It is good to work his bedtime 15min earlier every night until you reach the optimal time for him to go to bed. Consistency is key!
9. Be supportive
Finally, keep an open mind and open heart because everyone’s primary school experience is different— what might be of concern for one child is hardly an issue for another. Always be supportive, try to celebrate small wins and support them, especially when they fall short.
Be kind to yourself too, this is your first time parenting a primary school child so just go with the flow and don’t be too hard on yourself or your child. If mistakes are made, learn from them and move on.
10. Commit to God
As parents, there is so much uncertainty and so many questions that cannot be answered. But I know the Lord goes with my son and He will be there every step of the way as my son embarks on this new chapter and season in formal education.
I always come back to Philippians 4:6-7 when I feel anxiety creeping in: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Wishing you and your families a Blessed Christmas and an exciting Primary School year ahead!
