6 crucial things your child should know before starting school

The separation anxiety and worry that comes when taking the little one to school cannot be under estimated. Sending your child to school for the first time is a bitter sweet feeling.

You are anxious about how your child will adapt to the new environment, make new friends and how they will be able to express their feelings and what they need to their teacher.

To make their transition much better, there are certain things you have to train them up on. Not only will it make their experience easier but they will enjoy their schooling experience.

Here are some things your child needs to know before starting school. ESTHER MUCHENE

Listening and following instructions

Before your child starts school he or she should be able to listen and follow simple instructions like putting away their toys or picking them up.

Communicate their needs

Parents should encourage their children to speak properly with complete sentences like, ‘I would like some tea’ as well as help them be able to explain how they feel like, ‘I am hungry.’ This will enable them to express themselves easily and communicate without using actions only which can be frustrating.

Dress and feed themselves

Children should be able to feel comfortable buttoning and zipping their clothes. They should also know how to open their lunch boxes and juice bottles. If you see some difficulty, practice what is challenging them.

Learning how to share

Most children would rather not share especially those who have no siblings or contact with other children may find it difficult. Encourage them to share because school is all about getting along with others as well as team work. They should learn to treat others with respect and taking turns.

Match and sort objects

Before your child starts school he or she should be able to match and sort objects by differentiating shapes, colours, patterns and their function. Let them experiment with crayons, blocks, water colors and playdough. It is not only fun for them but they will also get to identify and distinguish easily.

Identifying numbers and letters

Before your child begins school, it is important for them to be able to count as well as know their ABC’s. Expose them early enough to learning videos you can find online that they can sing along to making this a daily routine for an hour or so to help them learn quickly once they’re enrolled in school.