How to prepare your child to start school?

Preparing your child to start school can appear at first thought a daunting task, but by following a few simple steps, the transition will go smoothly, and your child will get off to a flying start.

Encourage all members of your family to talk about their interests and listen ‘and ask questions of each other.
Establish clear routines. These routines include Waking up and going to sleep, washroom routines, and making time to talk together.
Spend at least 30 minutes each day looking at, talking about, and reading books.
Always speak positively about school and encourage your child to ask questions. Answer them accurately. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know.” but continuously assist in finding the answer.
Enable your child to do many practical things, including Mark making, writing, and constructing elements. It’s good to do messy things and tidy up when finished.
Play lots of games to encourage turn-taking and thinking strategies.
Teach them to read and write their name, along with other basics.
Encourage them to play with other children and say please and thank you.
Help them organize themselves, including getting dressed and packing their bag.
Most importantly, have fun, these moments with your little ones will pass by sooner than you know it. Cherish and make full use of these little joyful points.

Ian McNiff is the Group Director of Schools at Athena Education. Ian has over 35 years of experience in the Education industry. He has been the Director of 106 schools for a diocese in the United Kingdom. Ian has also worked as a Senior Director for the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabian Governments as well as a Director in the local authority. Ian brings a vast amount of experience, knowledge, and passion for learning and teaching to Athena Education and its portfolio schools.

The vision of Athena Education is to be an outstanding education provider with a global footprint and impact. We are driven by the explicit aim, which is to provide quality learning for all students in a sustainable, healthy, and safe education environment. An Athena learner will be independent, confident, always curious, creative, innovative, technologically literate, and socially responsible. They will make a positive contribution to their school, the United Arab Emirates, and the Global community.

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