Starting School
We are really looking forward to welcoming your child to Kilmersdon School. Below are some suggestions for how you can help prepare your child for school.
Being independent
Getting dressed and undressed, using the toilet independently (with good hand washing) and tidying up when they have finished playing with something before getting other things out.
The importance of language/conversation
Singing nursery rhymes, reading stories to your child, and doing activities with your children like baking, spending time in the garden together, going for a walk and simply chatting with them.
Developing motor control
There are some useful suggestions on the video clip below about helping your child with their motor control. Fine motor skills are developed through lots of play activities that your child will already enjoy. Here are some suggestions; playing with Lego or other construction, jigsaws, threading, colouring, art activities, playdough and cooking.
Gross motor activities include running, jumping, climbing, balancing, playing with a ball…
Sleep
Your child will find starting school very tiring and may need more sleep than normal. Having a good bedtime routine will help with this. There is some useful advice on the links.
Links:
Top tips for toilet training
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdv9382
Building resilience
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbbrrj6
Bedtime Routines
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znhyt39
How to help your child’s fine motor skills
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zd7qqp3
Independence
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrg8gwx
Nursery Rhymes – guide for parents
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdqjjhv
Animated rhymes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/nursery-rhymes-action-songs-medley/z7jwrj6
Small Talk - A website supporting the development of speech and language through talking with your child.