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Off to Big School? Here’s how parents can help

Yay – your little one is embarking on their learning journey at ‘Big School’. Kindergarten should be a fun and exciting time for a child, and it is important to assist them in this transition. A good start to school life can really help with...

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by South Coaster
Off to Big School? Here’s how parents can help

Yay – your little one is embarking on their learning journey at ‘Big School’. Kindergarten should be a fun and exciting time for a child, and it is important to assist them in this transition. A good start to school life can really help with creating a positive journey for years to come.

How can you help?

Play: Make sure you keep a balance on schoolwork and play. Try to ensure that important tasks such as reading after school happens, but let them have down-time and play too. For the first term, try not to overload them with extracurricular activities as they are often tired after a full day of school. Free and creative play without the structure and rules of school is important.

Pencil Grip: Keep an eye on pencil grasp. Bad habits form quickly, so try and ensure that you are reminding your child to hold the pencil as effectively as possible from the start. This will ensure the best control possible, but also be important for speed of writing and limiting fatigue in later years of schooling. Aim for a two-finger grip on the pencil with a lovely open web space and curved hand.

Following Instructions: Check in with school and make sure your child is concentrating in class and able to follow instructions for not only class tasks, but also daily school routines, playground etiquette and school rules.

Self-Help Skills: Ensure your child is managing their daily self-help tasks. Are they able to help pack their bag in the mornings and unpack in the afternoons? Do they remember all their belongings or are they losing things frequently? Are they able to manage toileting at school? These are all important parts of being more independent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gemma Williams is an occupational therapist at Equilibrium Healthcare. "If you have any concerns regarding your child’s development, please reach out to Equilibrium Healthcare and let us assist."

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by South Coaster

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