Tips for a good start at school

Starting school is a crucial milestone for both children and families. Jenny Chaves, Mission Australia's Service Manager for Communities for Children in Inala, Queensland, recently offered advice to parents on getting through those first few weeks.

Ms Chaves recently told The Albert and Logan News that parents of new-starters needed to keep communication open to understand how their child was feeling.

"Those first few weeks are pretty critical in the school environment because it's a big, big change for children, where you have bells ringing, bigger kids around you, a big environment different to your childcare centre or your home environment," she said.

"It's about parents picking up on some of those verbal or non-verbal signs and we really encourage parents to share attention with their children to be aware of how the child is feeling and provide support before they even start school.

"Talk to your child about what happens in school, about things like school routine and rules, because for some children that will be very new. Things like putting their hand up to ask the teacher a question and letting the teacher know when you need to go to the toilet.”

Here are Jenny’s top tips for parents and carers of children starting school this week - or in coming years:

1. Visit the school with your child before the start of the school year (open days and orientation days are a good opportunity)
2. Meet the teacher prior to school starting – take your child too, so they know the person they will be seeing each day at school 
3. Talk to your child about basic school rules such as listening to the teacher, putting your hand up to ask questions and asking to go to the toilet
4. Get your child to practise trying on their uniform, wearing their school shoes and carrying their school bag. Make it fun! Take a photo of your child dressed up and let them look at themselves – it will help them to get familiar with going to school
5. Talk to your child about what they are looking forward to, and find out any concerns they might have
6. Go with your child on their first day to help settle them in
7. Establish a known pick-up and drop-off point and let them know when you’ll be there – this will be an important part of the daily routine
8. Pack a healthy lunch to provide energy, and also include a special treat in their lunchbox for the first day
9. At the end of day one, take time out to sit a talk to your child about their day – and make this a daily routine if possible
10. Finally, and most importantly of all, let your child know they have your love and support and be excited about their starting school.

Tips from Queensland Teachers’ Union (QUT):

• Make sure the school administration and teachers are aware of any health issues your child has, particularly allergies
• Ensure the school knows exactly who is authorised to pick up your child from school
• Talk to your child about all the exciting things they'll discover each day and throughout the school year
• Find out the names of the important people in your child's school life to help you have more meaningful chats about the school day
• Involve your child in working out a realistic budget for tuckshop.

For more advice, including preparing your child for high school and changing schools, also see School A to Z.