Preparing Young Children
for the First Day of School
Newswise - "Getting ready for school
is an event that parents face with mixed emotions -- a sense of
excitement about our children's development and new experiences to
come; a sense of loss because our children are growing up; a sense
of helplessness because we are no longer in control; perhaps
apprehension because we will not be there to protect them," said
Cathy Beard, family support specialist with the Early Childhood
Center at the Indiana Institute for Disability and Community at
Indiana University.
For parents of children with
disabilities, these feelings may be even more intense. "Planning now
for that transition will help restore a measure of control, and will
alleviate some of the anxiety we may feel the day our children go
off to school," she said.
* Build up the big day. "Always talk
about school in a positive way," Beard said. Reading books about
going to school and making new friends, circling the date on the
calendar, and planning a special family outing to celebrate going to
school can help build enthusiasm, she said.
* Practice, practice, practice.
Beard suggests taking a bus ride and talking about bus rules,
visiting the new school and playing on the grounds, carrying a
backpack with a book or two inside, and packing lunchbox picnics
throughout the summer.
* Assess self-help skills. Things
like putting on and taking off outerwear, tying shoes and using
table manners are essential skills for an independent school day,
Beard said. Also make sure your child has experience using public
restrooms.
* Establish a sleep schedule you can
follow during the school year. Remember to allow extra time in the
morning for everyone to get ready, Beard said. Gradually moving
toward the bedtime you'll use during the school year will help your
child adjust. "Do this early so it is not viewed by your child as a
drawback to going to school," she said. |
