If your child is going to school for the first time, you could be worried about how to help them to adjust quickly. It will be a big step for all of the family. There are many things that you can do to help though. Some people feel that teaching their child to read, write and count are the most important, but there are actually many other things that they need to learn which are much more important as they should be taught those things at school.
Teach them how to change clothes
It is important for your child to know how to put their clothes on and off as well as change into their PE kit. This can be much easier for some children than others. They may struggle with belts, buttons or laces and it will be much easier for you if you make sure that they can change easily. You could buy them clothing that is easy to change in and out of or make sure that they can cope with changing really easily.
Toilet train them
There are some children that do not know how to use the toilet on their own when they go to school. It is likely that your children will know how to use the loo, but make sure that they wipe when necessary, flush, wash their hands and get dressed again properly. This may not be as easy as you might think especially in a loo that is unfamiliar to them. Make sure that they can manage or are happy to ask for help if they need it.
Teach them manners
It is amazing what a difference good manners can make to teaching staff as well as other children. If your child can say please and thank you when appropriate it can be really pleasing to staff and should help them to win favour with adults and children alike. It is also something which they will need for the rest of their lives.
Show them how to share
It is so important that children know how to get on well together. Sharing is a big part of this and so teaching them how to do this can be really useful. Just explaining to them why it is important and making them share at home can be enough to help them. Even if they have no siblings, they can share with parents and understand why it is the right thing to do.
Help them to be organised
Being organised is a big help for school. Although parents will be responsible for getting them to school on time and packing bags and lunch etc, they will need to remember to bring everything home. So many children forget their notes, coats, book bags, jumpers and other things when they leave school. Trying to get them to understand how important it is to organise their things and make sure that they remember to bring them home with them can make a big difference.