Early Years Blog
Starting school is a big milestone for any child, and for parents too! As the summer holidays approach, many of you will be turning your thoughts to preparing your little ones for their exciting journey into Early Years at Farringtons School. It is a time of mixed emotions – excitement, a touch of trepidation and a desire to ensure your child feels confident and happy on their first day.
At Farringtons Prep School, we understand the importance of a smooth transition into school life. Our Early Years Department is designed to be a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive, develop and discover a love for learning. While our dedicated staff will be there every step of the way.
Here are some tips to help prepare your child for starting Early Years at Farringtons Prep School:
Foster independence and Self-Help Skills
- Dressing: encourage your child to practice dressing themselves, including putting on and taking off their shoes
- Toileting:Â ensure your child is confident and independent with using the toilet, including washing their hands afterwards. Accidents can happen, but fostering this independence will reduce any anxiety
- Tidying Up:Â involve them in tidying up their toys at home. This helps develop a sense of responsibility and order, which is a key part of classroom life
Develop Communication and Social Skills
- Talking about school: talk positively about school and what they can expect. Share your excitement with them! Discuss the new friends they will make, the fun activities they will do and the kind teachers who will look after them
- Listening skills: practice listening by playing games like “Simon Says” or reading stories and asking questions about them
- Sharing and taking turns: arrange playdates with other children to practice sharing toys, taking turns and understanding the concept of give and take
- Expressing needs: encourage your child to articulate their needs and feelings. Reassure them that it is okay to ask for help if they need it
Spark a Love for Learning
- Reading together: continue to read to your child every day. This not only fosters a love of books but also helps develop language, vocabulary, and early literacy skills
- Counting and numbers: incorporate numbers into everyday activities
- Exploring the world: engage their curiosity by exploring their surroundings. Talk about shapes, colours, animals, and nature
- Creative play: encourage imaginative play, drawing, painting and building
Establish a Routine
- Morning routine: practice a smooth morning routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast and packing their bag
Starting Early Years at Farringtons is a wonderful adventure. By taking these proactive steps, you can help lay a strong foundation for your child’s success and ensure they arrive on their first day feeling confident, happy, and ready to embrace all the exciting opportunities that await them. We cannot wait to welcome your child to the Farringtons family!
