Psihološki krugovi First thing parents of a child who is about to start school should do is to assess objectively the child’s abilities, interests and motivation for school. If the child is overestimated he/she will grow up feeling a disappointment to parents.
If the child is underestimated he/she will have a low selfesteem. The school psychologist will make an evaluation of emotional and intelectual abilities of the first grade child, but it is essential for every parent to adjust their expectations to what the child is realistically able to do.
Buying an attractive school equipment together can be an interesting way of adjusting to the new task. The child should get acquanted with the school space much earlier by going to the school ground, being shown the playground and meeting other pupils.
It is important to create curiosity and interest for the new school and various activities around it early, such as school breaks, snacks , assemblies, school plays, excursions, school record, etc.
Children who are already at school can help with their experience too. It is useful to use other pupils’ experiences of the places and activities around the school.
Children create their impression about a school through reading, playing schools, gaining experiences from teachers at nurseries, games and activities they have there. Using notebooks and books for preschool children brings a sense of achievement and a challenge is created but only if the child is not forced into it.
Preparing for school can happen through certain school activities that are being introduced in everyday life such as colouring in, drawing, counting, letter formation, singing, playing, family quizes and peer knowledge tournaments together with new frindships.
School schould not be idealised or used as a threat and something to fear. It should be emphasised that school is a place to play and learn new interesting things from the very first day and that the child is not expected to know it all all the time.
A special attention should be paid to a new teacher and their role in the child’s life as well as to the importance of respect and trust in their profession and them as professionals.
Give your child an opportunity to talk about how he/she imagines school will be like, what they expect from it, ask questions, express their fears and worries. It is important that you understand and listen to your child, make it easier for them and encourage them for such an important period in their life.
It is especially important for the whole family to celebrate the start of school in the way other big events are celebrated in the family so the child feels happy and good about it.
If you have any questions or doubts regarding your first grader, our team of professionals at ’Psychological Circles’ will be able to help you.
