Starting Kindergarten: Preparing for the first day of school
By: kelly
When our family made the move from New South Wales up to Queensland, we definitely noticed the differences in the state education systems – including the process of starting kindergarten.
Starting Kindergarten: NSW v. QLD
In Queensland, the first year of school is referred to as prep. The non-compulsory year before school starts is kindergarten, or pre-prep, and is one means of starting kindergarten early.
In New South Wales the first year of school is called kindergarten, whereas the non-compulsory year before school starts is referred to as preschool.
The table below details how each state and territory of Australia structures their schooling system.
Note: For the purpose of this article, I’ll refer to starting the first year of school as ‘kindergarten’.
Starting Kindergarten Tips
Starting kindergarten is a big and exciting step for children; this is especially true when starting kindergarten early. Days are longer, uniforms are worn, and children learn to belong to the larger school community. As a mum, I also found this first year a big step (you can read my post about starting school from a mum’s perspective).
I decided the best way to start my children for their first year of school was to prepare early. Below are 5 tips to prepare children for starting a kindergarten school based on my own experience with three children in school and one to go!
1. Be Positive – talk about starting kindergarten
Be positive and create excitement around starting kindergarten by talking with your children and providing tips such as:
- Ways to make friends when starting kindergarten
- Fun things they can expect to learn
- Convey their strengths and discuss any concerns they might posses
- Visiting kindergarten (I like to visit, and drive past the kindergarten as often as possible).
2. Be Proactive – read about kindergarten
Reading to children is one of the best ways to prepare them to start kindergarten. It may help to read books from your library. The following are suggested readings that include tips on starting:
- I am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child
- The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Starting School by Janet Alberg
- Grug Goes to School by Ted Prior
- Maisy Goes to Pre-School by Lucy Cousins
- Alison Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
- Do I have to Go to School? By Pat Thomas
- I Want a Friend by Tony Ross
- Harry and The Dinosaurs Go to School by Ian Whybrow
3. Be Prepared for Kindergarten – participate in social activities
Find social activities for mums and children to participate in when first starting kindergarten such as:
- Playgroups
- Mothers’ groups
- Book clubs
- Any other activities that make starting kindergarten a better experience for you and your child.
4. Practice Early – encourage independence
Starting school is another step towards independence so practicing can help make the transition an easier one. Routine tasks to start practicing include practising:
* Packing for the first day of kindergarten
* Preparing a lunchbox and drink bottle
* Organising a bag
* Carrying a school bag
* Dressing
* Going to the toilet
5. Participate in the kindergarten experience – get involved
Participate in the learning process as much as you can by helping out at the kindergarten school if possible and talking to your child about their day at school.
Helpful Educational Links:
Do you have a child starting kindergarten this year? How have you helped prepare them for their first day of school?
kelly
Kelly Burstow combines her passion for design, children's books, photography, fashion, writing and parenting in her blog, Be A Fun Mum. Be A Fun Mum is all about reclaiming the enjoyment of parenting, one moment at a time. Kelly lives in Queensland with her husband, four children and far too many guinea pigs.
Showing 8 comments
So do you have twins? How cool for them to have a big brother!
Thanks for adding this tip Nic. We do routine charts for the frist part of the school year too, and we don't usually need them after the first term which is brilliant!
great advice Kelly - I have two starting and I can hardly remember 13 yrs ago starting mr 18.
Hope she has a fantastic day Lucy!
I have one starting 3 year old kinder this year and one starting his first year of school. I find having photo routine charts that show them the steps they need to take to get ready in the mornings really helpful, especially when they create it with you - they take quite a lot of ownership for it.
Lexie started last term (SA do termly intakes) and has a full year ahead of her. She is the third, so finds it easy as she is already familiar with the environment. She is hanging out for her first day back next week!
Thanks Jenny Craig.
Great tips, thanks! We love the idea of practicing for the day...excellent!