Starting primary school is a time of mixed emotions for many children and families. COVID-19 has significantly disrupted 2020 and orientation sessions at local schools may look a little different.
As a family, you may be a little worried about whether your child will be ready for what lies ahead. This guide will help you to think further about your child starting school and put in place some ideas to help you at this time.1
We all experience transitions/changes in our lives such as moving home or starting a new job. How you cope depends upon how you view change. For some change is exciting, for others daunting. For change/transition to be successful there needs to be careful consideration, preparation and planning before such change occurs.
If moving home, just think through the preparations you do before the removal day. Such preparation is what you can start to think about with your child transitioning into school; talking to family members about the transitions, making lists of what needs to be done, e.g. buying and trying on the school uniform, learning how to put on school shoes.
Continuity of Learning
The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (DEEWR, 2009), a national guide for early childhood education, highlights the importance of continuity of learning and transitions for children and families. It stresses the importance of collaboration and communication between families, children, teachers, educators at both the early learning centre and school to support the child during this time.
Each State and Territory has specific requirements about starting school. There are links at the end of this article you might find helpful. Phone your local school/school of choice to get started. The school can:
- help you to understand what you need to do to enroll your child.
- include you in any information that is being sent home to families.
- share with you how they might be connecting with children prior to the new school year.