Parenting Tips - Pre-schooler’s

 

Pre-schooler’s

Next stop school

• Before children go to school they have learned many things which give them a good start.

• To give your child a good start make sure you:

• talk with them so they learn how people take turns to speak and listen • listen to them and let them know they have good ideas

• read with them so they learn how to hold a book, which way the words go on the page, that letters make up sounds and words and that there are many reasons why people read • take them on walks around the streets, to meet their friends and to know their community

• encourage children to play with others so they learn to share, take turns and play games.

• Children in Western Australia go to school in the year they turn six. Most children will have had other group experiences before this.

• Children are ready for school when they:

• are happy for you to leave, although sometimes they may cry • are confident when you aren't around • will cooperate with other adults

• have had social experiences with other children • remember simple instructions and follow them through • will ask for help if they need it

• can go a whole day without a morning or afternoon sleep • can dress and undress with ease • like to join in

• can cope with structure • can organize basic things for themselves.

• You are your child's first teacher. The way you feel about school will affect how they feel. Try to keep positive and hopefully they will feel positive about school too.

Primary schooler’s

Overview

• Children usually go to primary school between six and 12 years of age. This is when they build on, and improve, their previously learned skills. They make friends and are interested in the world around them.

• They are becoming independent and enjoy responsibilities and challenges they can manage.

• Their social skills are improving. They often enjoy playing with small groups of three or four children. • Their physical skills are are improving. They may be very interested in several kinds of activities.

• They begin to develop hobbies and specials interests and learn a lot this way. • They enjoy helping at home and doing family things like going on picnics and visiting relatives.

• Often children in this age group can develop one or two special friends of the same sex. Friendships with people of other ages and sex are also important to them. They like learning about their neighbourhood and may be particularly fond of a pet animal.

• Activities such as cooking, bike riding, cubbies, lego, reading, TV, sport, chasey and making things are all popular. Many of these things are fun to do together. • Children learn and develop at different rates, try not to compare children and/or siblings.