Like many of
you, I have a precious grandson who will start Primary 1 next
year.
He seems to be
excited, as well as a little anxious, about going to such a big
school for the first time.
As a former
principal of a primary school, I thought it would be helpful to
share a few tips on how to prepare your child for the first day and
week of primary school.
PREPARE YOUR CHILD BEFOREHAND
Before the
first day of school, parents can share with their children what
school is like and what they can expect. Getting them happy and
excited about school is half the battle won.
Go to the
school's website and explore it together.
Describe a
school day, starting with how everyone sings the National Anthem in
the morning, what recess time is like and what time school would
get out.
Discuss school
rules and regulations. For example, pupils may not eat in class and
they should pay attention when the teacher is speaking.
Help your
child understand that this is the start of his formal education and
there are certain expectations.
For instance,
children are required to study spelling in English and Mother
Tongue every week.
Do train your
child to know how to put on the school uniform, down to buttoning
the shirt or blouse and tying his shoelaces.
When I was a
teacher in a Primary 1 class, I found a few pupils struggling when
they had to take off their physical education (PE) attire to put on
their uniform.
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Most parents
take leave on the first day to settle their children in a new
environment.
It would be
good if you could do so, even if your child is usually very
independent.
There is a
possibility that your child may be emotionally affected when he
sees other parents or guardians around on the first day, while he
does not have anyone.
If you are
really unable to be there, I would encourage you to explain the
reason to your child.
If you will be
there on the first day, it is important to give clear instructions
to your child as to where you will be at recess to watch him from
afar, and when you will take him home.
Before the first
day of school, parents can share with their children what school is
like and what they can expect. Getting them happy and excited about
school is half the battle won.
Remember to
give your child money to buy food from the canteen. I normally
advise parents to give about $1.50 to $2.
As the price
of canteen food does vary in schools, do check out the stalls and
decide on the amount to give your child every day.
Stand at a
distance and watch your child being guided by school-assigned
buddies to buy food at recess. Trust the school to manage this
well, as it is best for your child to learn from his
schoolmates.
At dismissal
time, it is good to cooperate with the school by following
instructions on how classes will be let out.
If you are
driving, ensure you are there on time to build your child's
confidence in this daily routine.
For those
using the school bus, the school would have a system to ensure that
pupils are guided to board the right bus. When the school bus
arrives to drop off your child, be at the agreed pick-up point and
welcome him home with a bright smile.
If your
child's school organises any talks or workshops on the first few
days of school, do attend them as they would help you understand
how you can support your child's learning.
To your child,
moving from kindergarten to Primary 1 is a big adjustment, so do
spend time talking to him about the first few weeks of school. Some
children would be more anxious than others.
Your child
will be given a parent- child activity book. It contains parenting
tips which include fun activities you can do with your child to
help you both adjust smoothly to primary school life.
Last but not
least, I would encourage you to join the parents' support group, a
network that would help you in this parenting journey. Research
shows that school-home partnerships for the purpose of helping a
child realise his potential have many benefits.
I hope these
few tips wil help you to prepare your child for Primary 1. May you
and your child have many happy and memorable days at school.
• The writer was a principal for 18 years in Kheng Cheng School,
Radin Mas Primary and South View Primary. She is a lead associate,
focusing on partnerships and engagement, in the engagement and
research division of the Ministry of Education.
