Preparing for change
Starting school is a big change for children and families. Long before the first day of school, teachers and parents collaborate to support children as they prepare for starting school.
Preparation is key to happy transitions,
think friendships, positivity and personal stories, school visits or virtual tours, and reading books about starting school with your child...
Council's annual 'Transition to School' parent webinar is all about preparing for starting preschool or kindergarten and supporting children with the changes. Presenters are from the ACT Education Directorate and, from Early Childhood Australia, transitions researcher Dr Kathryn Hopps. Register for the September 2024 webinar here.
'I found the seminar content very relevant, concise and useful... I really enjoyed the session, it was very informative'.
A child’s previous care experiences (ie in-home care, childcare centre, relatives or playgroups) will impact how families prepare for starting school. Parents say they find it useful to do some of the following:
- Walk past the school with your child and talk about what they can see,
- download the ACT Education Directorate resource 'preschool pathways',
- register for the school's orientation day (Sep-Oct),
- download Council's parent reference guide,
- make an appointment to visit the school with your child,
- look up your school website,
- follow the school parent association via 'Community' on the school website,
- subscribe to the school newsletter,
- look at pictures of the school,
- see our guide to books about starting school (great conversation starters),
- talk positively about your own school experiences with your child,
- organise a playdate with other students - or check with the P&C,
- explore how children learn through play and play-based learning,