Top Tips for Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindy!

Here are some simple things you can do to help your child (and the rest of the family!) get ready to start Kindergarten:

• Read stories with your child about starting school.
• Go past the school and talk to your child about how they will soon be going there, the exciting things they will do and the friends they will make.
• Go along to the Kindergarten orientation at your school with your child. If your school does not have one, contact the school to arrange a time to visit.
• Spend time at school looking at all the activities going on.
• While you’re visiting, show your child around including where their bag goes and where the toilets are.
• Go shopping together to buy a special lunch box and drink bottle, and things they will need such as a school bag, uniform items and art smock. You will get a list of items from the school.
• Label all your child’s belongings with their name.
• Introduce yourself to other parents and become part of the school community.
• Organise play dates to help your child socialise with the other children in their class.
• Have a routine each morning as you and your child get ready to go to school.
• Iron clothes and prepare lunches and refrigerate the night before. This will make your morning routine easier.
• Make life easier for you and your child by buying clothing with large buttons or Velcro that will allow them to dress themselves. Being able to get themselves ready will also be a confidence boost for your child.
• Once school starts, ensure your child gets enough rest. You will probably find that your child is tired. This is normal as they adjust to their busy days at Kindergarten learning and playing.
• Get your child nutritious meals and snacks to keep them energised through the day.
• Talk with your child about their day when they get home. Your enthusiasm is important for them to see and feel, and will show them that school is important.
• Get to know your child’s teacher and don’t hesitate to talk to them about any issues you may have experienced, and give them feedback – both positive and negative.

Helping your child have a positive first experience of school is important because it can help shape the way they think about school in the future.

Once school starts, be actively involved yourself. Children love it when their mum or dad comes along to help with reading and other activities.

Your ongoing support will help them build strong foundations for success at school.

Return to Home Page

Helping your child have a positive first experience of school is important because it can help shape the way they think about school in the future.

"Make life easier for you and your child by buying clothing with large buttons or Velcro that will allow them to dress themselves. Being able to get themselves ready will also be a confidence boost for your child"