6 Awesome Tips For Primary Preparation

Jumeirah Baccalaureate School's Joanne Taylor says the 'back to school' focus for parents of ‘little-ones’ should be on reducing the likelihood of any stressful situations arising in class. Ideally parents should do this by working with their child before they return to school.

Bed Times

Setting a calm and clear bedtime routine, which enables children to acquire the appropriate amount of sleep, is perhaps the most important way you can help prepare your child for their return to school.

(Some general guidelines are- 3-6-year olds need 10-12 hours per night and 7-12-year olds need 10-11 hours per night.)

As with the return to work after a vacation for many adults, the return to school can be a demanding for children as they are acquainting themselves with peers, new teachers and new timetables. Over the years, I have experienced children from KG1 to Grade 5, falling in asleep in a variety of locations, from heads lay on desks, in book corners and even on a buddy’s shoulder during an assembly!

Healthy Eating

As we are aware, food choices are not always the healthiest during vacations. A healthy balanced diet will help optimise their bodies and minds for learning. Why not try out some new ‘back to school’ snacks that they might like to find in their lunch boxes.

Ch-ch-changes

While older children will be more experienced at changing their clothes for PE, the younger ones all benefit from some independent 'dressing and undressing' practice to prepare them for the school environment. (And, don’t forget shoes!)

You could turn it into a game by timing them and make a chart to record how fast it takes them to change.

At Home

Create a ‘homework station’ where your child will complete their homework. This should provide enough space to put their study books.

Save time and morning hassles by designating a place for your child to place their backpack each night.

Even though you have probably bought a set of school supplies for use in school, pencil cases can often be ‘misplaced’ so it is worth have a duplicate set to be kept at home.

The Simple Things…

Don’t forget a haircut so your child can see easily!

Label It!

Label ALL their belongings. If you do not label you children’s belongings, it is an almost impossible task for the teacher to reunite them with your child. Sewn in labels or ironed on are better, but written names work equally well- as long as they are written in permanent ink.