![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fitzroyelc.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Transition-to-school.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A positive start to school is important and depends on everyone working together to make it happen \u2013 family, community, early childhood service and the school team. Many states have now given the go ahead for school orientation to commence\/resume in Term 4 assuming correct COVID safety guidelines are followed.<\/p>\n
The pandemic this year has most likely changed your child\u2019s final year of pre-school and prep for big school and this may be concerning for you. However, there are things you can do at to ensure your children get the best start to school possible.<\/p>\n
Know your child\u2019s school<\/strong> Each school community is unique. It\u2019s a good idea to attend available transition, orientation or information sessions. Check out their website or subscribe to their newsletters, follow their social media pages. Show your child pictures and videos of the school they will attend. Locate their school on a map and draw a route to your house.<\/em> Where possible meet the Principal or ask staff at the school office for information. Connect with other parents who have children at the school.<\/p>\n Literacy<\/strong> Literacy is a key foundation for learning. Talking and an awareness of word sounds form a strong base for reading success. Read, rhyme and draw, sing, listen and talk with your child regularly.<\/em> This develops literacy skills needed to understand information and communicate ideas. If English is not your first language, continue using your strongest language as well as English to promote multilingual skills and maintain cultural identity.<\/p>\n Numeracy <\/strong>Numeracy is all around us and used throughout life. Your child uses numeracy when measuring ingredients, counting stairs as they climb, sorting buttons or matching socks. When children play with blocks and containers they think \u2018mathematically\u2019 about size, shape and space. Talk about positions such as behind, next to and above, and inquire \u2018how many?\u2019 \u2018which way?\u2019 or \u2018is there enough?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n Friendships<\/strong> Making friends can be challenging for your child. You can help by prompting them to think about games to play, where to play them and how to include others. Your child will develop these skills by watching you \u2013 the way you start conversations, handle issues and accept others\u2019 perspectives. Encouraging play provides opportunities for your child to \u2018read\u2019 faces and body language, furthering their social skills.<\/p>\n