Preparation for school
Starting school is a big change for children and families. There are new experiences, routines, practical matters, and big feelings to manage. Long before the first day of school, teachers and parents collaborate to support children as they prepare for starting school.
Preparation is key to happy transitions,
think friendships, positivity and personal stories, school visits, or virtual tours, and reading books about starting school with your child...
For information about preparing for starting preschool or kindergarten, the ACT Education Directorate and P&C Council present the 'Transition to School' parent webinar. Register for the recording here.
'I found the seminar content very relevant, concise and useful... I really enjoyed the session, it was very informative'.
We’ve asked parents and teachers about preparing children for starting preschool or kindy. A child’s previous care experiences can impact how families prepare (in-home care, childcare centre, relatives, or playgroups). Parents tell us they have found it useful to do some of the following:
- Walk past the school with your child and talk about what they can see,
- download the Directorate's resource 'preschool pathways',
- register for the school's orientation day,
- download Council's parent reference guide,
- make an appointment to visit the school with your child,
- look up the school website,
- join or follow the school parent association via 'Community' on the school website,
- subscribe to the school newsletter,
- look at pictures of the school,
- use Council's guide to books about starting school, (making friends and big emotions),
- talk positively about your own school experiences with your child,
- organise a playdate with other students - ask the school or P&C,
- learn about play and play-based learning,