Preparing Your Little One for School

Starting school, foundation, prep, or kindy is a significant milestone for your little one and, let’s be honest, for parents too! While I’m still a few years away from this chapter myself, I’ve connected with parents and teachers to bring you a list of tried-and-true tips to ease the transition. Every child and learning environment is different, so take what resonates and leave what doesn’t; I hope these insights help make this exciting chapter a little smoother for your family.

Master Lunchbox Skills

Practice opening and closing lunchboxes, unwrapping snacks, and using drink bottles. Let your child get hands-on with their lunch gear before school starts. I personally find that the b.box brand lunchboxes and drink bottles are easy for small hands to manage, reducing frustration at meal times.

Break in Uniforms and Shoes

Let your child wear their new uniform and shoes a few times before school starts. This helps them get comfortable with the fit and feel and allows you to address any sensory concerns, like itchy tags or stiff shoes, in advance.

Teach Jumper Packing Skills

Practice folding jumpers and packing them into a school bag. Little ones love feeling capable, and this small skill can save teachers from managing piles of jumpers at recess time.

Velcro Shoes for the Win

If your child hasn’t mastered tying shoelaces yet, opt for velcro shoes to make mornings smoother. For those learning, OT-approved resources like shoe-tying practice boards from Kmart can be a big help.

Make an “I’m Going to School” Book

Create a personalised book with photos of their school, classroom, teacher, and daily routines. This visual guide can help your child familiarise themselves with their new environment and make transitions more manageable and predictable.

Incorporate Motor Skills Activities

Building core strength and fine motor skills is a great way to prepare for school. Activities like threading beads, yoga poses, or climbing at the playground help develop the muscles needed for sitting still, writing, and other classroom tasks.

Practice Classroom Routines

Help your child get comfortable with common classroom routines, like raising their hand to ask a question or sitting on the mat. These simple practices build confidence and familiarity.

Label Everything

Lost property can be a black hole for school supplies. Label everything your child takes to school, from lunchboxes to hats, to help ensure their belongings come home. Bonus tip: use washable labels or invest in a name stamp for long-lasting durability - this has been a gamechanger for our family and daycare items.

Set Up a Morning Routine

Practise your school morning routine a few weeks before term starts. Wake up at the same time, get dressed, eat breakfast, and pack the school bag together. Knowing what to expect each morning helps reduce anxiety and makes the first day feel less overwhelming.

Decompression Time

After school, give them a chance to wind down. A quiet activity or even just time to relax can help process their busy day.

Communication is Key when preparing your little one for school

Use apps or communication books to stay in touch with teachers about your child’s progress. This ensures everyone is on the same page. If your child receives outside support like OT or speech therapy, consider sharing these insights with their teacher to align strategies.

Stay Flexible

Keep the lines of communication open with your child. A simple, regular chat about their day can provide invaluable insights into how they’re feeling. What are they enjoying? What challenges are they facing? These conversations can happen over a snack or during wind-down time. Listening actively shows you’re there for them and gives you the information you need to adjust strategies or reach out to the school if needed.

Whether your little one is preparing for kindy or their first year of school, remember that it’s all about embracing the process and supporting their growth, one small step at a time!