WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE YOUR Child FOR SCHOOL BEGINNING SCHOOL (Boy in school uniform, n.d)

IS YOUR CHILD READY Socially Can your child interact with others with things like sharing, taking turns and communicating. Are they independent and can perform tasks with minimal supervision such as washing hands, going to the toilet and dressing and undressing themselves. Robinson, (2012) Can they understand and follow instructions, new routines and rules. Baker, (n.d). Are they happy to be involved with new activities and play within a small group of children confidently. DOCS, (2003). (boy washing hands in sink, n.d.)

IS YOUR CHILD READY Physically Have their co-ordination skills developed, such as catching and throwing. Care for kids, (n.d.). Can they balance well. Robinson, (2012) Can they manage buttons and zippers. DOCS, (2003) Do they have developed fine motor skills so they can manage cutting with scissors, writing with a pencil and threading beads. Are they able to open lunch boxes and unwrap food. Robinson, (2012) (Child cutting with scissors, n.d.)

IS YOUR CHILD READY Mentally Can your child express themself. Can they retell stories. Care for kids, (n.d.). Do they share their own ideas and/or opinions. Do they show how they are feeling. Can they sit and focus for a period of time. Do they know their full name and address. DOCS, (2003) (women reading to a child. 2009)

WHAT CAN BE DONE BEFORE HAND TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL Talk to your child about the importance of school and discuss what will happen. Introduce the child to teachers and other children that may be attending. Bailey, (2006) Go to orientation meetings DOCS, (2003). And at least five transition visits. Milburn, (2012). Take them shopping to choose their lunch box, bag and drink bottle and label all their belongings. Moodie, (2012). Be involved in the school and familiarise yourself with the break times, policies and procedures. Hill & Taylor (2004).

Always have a pencil and paper handy for them so they can draw and write. Give your child the opportunity to problem solve. Bailey, (2006). Teach them about stranger danger and bullying. Read to your child and sing nursery rhymes. Prepare and stick to a routine. moodie, (2012 ) Expose them to new experiences. PREPARING YOUR CHILD AT HOME (Child sitting next to camp fire, n.d.)