Starting Kindergarten

AGE CONSIDERATIONS FOR STARTING KINDERGARTEN

NSW law requires all children to start school by their 6th birthday. Most children start Kindergarten before they turn six. In government schools, children are entitled to begin school in the year they turn five as long as their birthday falls on or before July 31.

Starting school is a major step in a child's life. A happy and successful first year promotes a positive attitude towards school and learning. Any decision about whether or not to start a child should focus on their needs and readiness. If the parent is in doubt they should speak to the child's preschool teacher or make an appointment to speak with the Assistant Principal (K-2) or principal.

Starting Younger
A younger child:

• can take longer to adjust to the demands of the five day school week;
• can often become tired and not as responsive;
• matures later physically. This is more apparent in high school - where peer pressure and "looks" pay a big part in a child's life;
• may compare their performance with other children in the class, even though those children may well be a year or more older;
• can sometimes be more emotionally and physically mature than many older children;
• would have a "year up the sleeve" if they need to repeat because of illness, family travel or moves;
• may not be in graded classes in future years.

Starting Older
An older child:

PREPARING YOUR KINDERGARTEN CHILD

Before School Starts
Help your child to be healthy and safe by:

• having regular health checks, including hearing and eyesight;
• teaching them about road safety and stranger danger;
• ensuring that they can toilet independently and understand the importance of washing their hands;
• reminding them to cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough;
• ensuring that they always have a hankie or tissue and know how to use it;
• insisting on correct posture when sitting in a chair;
• update immunisation.

Encourage your child to develop helpful habits by:

• having them put things away after use;
• teaching them to listen;
• having them follow simple directions;
• giving them small jobs;
• teaching them ways to get along with others;
• reminding them to wait their turn and share materials;
• teaching them to recognise and look after their own belongings;
• ensuring that they can dress themselves. This includes putting on and taking off outer layers such as jumpers and raincoats. It is also good if they can do up their own shoelaces. (NB For safety, Kindergarten children should have raincoats not umbrellas.)

Help them to learn by:

• showing your child that learning is fun;
• giving them lots of time and opportunity to play;
• listening to them;
• answering their questions or helping them to find the answers;
• sharing books, TV shows and videos together and talking about them;
• selecting suitable books, tapes, TV, videos and computer programs;
• providing them with a variety of materials to make things;
• singing songs and saying rhymes together;
• having them help you do everyday things.

What else can you do?
Help them to:

• learn and use basic manners;
• remember their full name, address and phone number;
• recognise their name when written;
• find labels their own belongings. Please label everything that goes to school.
• write their own name;
• hold their pencil correctly;
• get used to opening and closing lunch and drink containers;
• be assertive and communicate their needs clearly;
• become accustomed to being separated from family (including siblings).

And:

• Always be positive about school.
• Visit the school beforehand and become familiar with the setting.
• Talk about Kindergarten naturally in the conversation.
• Speak to the school executive if your child has any special needs.
• Don't leave all school forms and questionnaires till the last moment.
• Please inform any other schools your child will not be attending the following year. This helps with everyone's planning.

The First Day of School is a Big Event

• Listen to your child's concerns and discuss them together.
• Ensure they know what is in their bag in case it is needed. (Morning tea, lunch, jumper, tissues, raincoat, spare undies and socks.)
• Arrive on time.
• Help your child to find a friend before you leave.
• Reassure your child that they will be safe and that you (or someone he or she knows) will pick them up at the classroom when school finishes.
• Ensure that the teacher knows who will be collecting the child.
• Leave cheerfully (save the tears for outside.)
• If your child is upset stay for a short while and then leave. If your child does not settle you will be contacted.
• Be there punctually to pick them up.

START EACH SCHOOL DAY RIGHT

Ensure that your child is:

• well-rested;
• well-nourished;
• wearing suitable clothing;
• prepared for weather changes;
• punctual;
• sure of collection details.

Develop their independence by having them:

• pack their own bag;
• carry their own bag;
• hand in any notes, money or lunch orders;
• look for lost property.

Share the Excitement of Starting School

• Visit your child's classroom.
• Encouraging them to talk about their day.
• Show interest in any work they bring home.
• Take an active part in school life.