Starting school in Sept - what should they know? Post Reply

[jacxnic]

Hey,

Our son starts school in September and I'm now having a panic about what he should know and be able to do.

He's always been to nursery which he loves but we have never really pushed to much on him yet concentrating more on fun and making friends.
But I'm now worried that he may not be as advanced as other children at school and start to miss out.

God when did this all become so complicated, I suddenly feel one wrong move and that's it ha

[Goldhawk]

Take shoes on and off
Recognise own name (useful for shoes and coats etc)
Go to the toilet alone and wash hands
Get dressed and undressed (PE kit/swimming)
Use knife and fork

[twomonkeys]

The above is all correct, but they will offer help to those that are struggling with buttons etc.

Don't panic! They pick it up quickly if you have helped with the basics.

[Franklens]

My daughter is starting school too. She has been at a very low key nursery which she and we have absolutely loved but they never focused on academia so she doesn't really know her numbers, letters, sounds etc. Whilst not overly concerned as there is plenty of time for her to learn all these I was a little apprehensive that she would feel behind. Having spoken to her new teacher they really put my mind at ease. The most useful tips they gave were:

1. Practice using a knife and fork and cutting up food
2. Be able to go to loo and wash hand independently
3. Get dressed independently
4. Never ask about their day on collection, they won't want to talk about it immediately, wait a while and then ask "what was the best thing about today"
5. Always arrive with a healthy snack, they will be starving
6. Think about moving bedtime half and hour forward initially, they will be exhausted.

Last day at nursery today for her and I'm feeling a bit emotional!

[MVM]

Hi

It does all seem so serious but lets remind ourselves (me included!) it is just reception and hopefully the start of a fun journey. My daughter starts this sept as well. Yikes!

Don't stress. My daughter is quite ahead of the curve so I'm concerned she'll get bored but the teachers I found out cater to all levels. The kids who are reading already will be given next level reading whilst those who don't know their phonetics or can't write their name will be taight from scratch.

Their goal is to prepare them for year 1 where, so I'm told, it starts getting academic.

Hopefully we can all let them enjoy reception and I'm sure the teachers will let you know if your child is really lagging behind and you can address that.

I think the above answers are all very useful so don't worry.

[MVM]

Hi

It does all seem so serious but lets remind ourselves (me included!) it is just reception and hopefully the start of a fun journey. My daughter starts this sept as well. Yikes!

Don't stress. My daughter is quite ahead of the curve so I'm concerned she'll get bored but the teachers I found out cater to all levels. The kids who are reading already will be given next level reading whilst those who don't know their phonetics or can't write their name will be taught from scratch.

Their goal is to prepare them for year 1 where, so I'm told, it starts getting academic.

Hopefully we can all let them enjoy reception and I'm sure the teachers will let you know if your child is really lagging behind and you can address that.

I think the above answers are all very useful so don't worry.

[WandsworthPrep]

Hello,

A number of parents have been asking how best they can prepare their children for starting school. Our Head of Early Years has put together a “Top 10 Tips for starting school with a smile” article which parents may find helpful ahead of their child starting school in September. These tips apply to any child, regardless of the school they are starting at.

You can read it here: http://www.wandsworthprep.com/school-li ... r-school-1

I hope you find it useful.

With best wishes,
Maria Major
School Secretary at Wandsworth Prep School