Top Tips for Parents - Getting Ready for School
As your child prepares to start their school journey this September, we understand it can be a time of both excitement and a touch of apprehension. This guide aims to offer practical tips and advice to help you navigate this transition with confidence. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and taking it one step at a time is perfectly okay.
Keep reading to learn more about how you as a parent can prepare yourself and your child for this next step.
Understanding the School Environment
School Visits: If possible, visit the school during the summer. Walking around, exploring the classrooms, and meeting some staff members can help ease any anxiety for both you and your child.
Meet the Teacher: Arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss their strengths, interests, and needs. Building a good relationship from the start can be invaluable. Make sure the teachers are set up with the tools to succeed. Are they getting access to the training and support needed to fully include your child.
Visual Aids: Create a small photo album of the school, including pictures of key areas and staff, to look through together. You can even take some short video of the new school environment and take some time to watch it together. Many schools already have transition or introduction videos showing the school and teachers.
Key Summer Preparation Activities
Establishing Routine: While we all know the summer holidays can be a time to throw routine out of the window this may not be the summer for that! Start adjusting to a school-like routine with regular wake-up times and meal schedules well before the end of August. Don't worry about perfection; a little practice can go a long way.
Self-Help Skills: Work on basic skills like dressing, using the toilet, and washing hands. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. These small skills of independence can make a big difference. But don’t worry many of our children start school needing a fair amount of help in this area. Juts make sure you and the school are aligned on how you will tackle this from day one.
Communication Skills: Engage in activities like reading together, storytelling, and simple conversations to foster communication skills. Consider some key signed sentence that will help them and practise these regularly.
Building Essential Skills
Motor Skills: Encourage activities that develop both fine motor skills (e.g., drawing, playing with small toys) and gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping). What better time to get back out in the park and searching for craft materials (assuming the great British weather holds out)!
Social Skills: Arrange playdates or small group activities to help your child practice social interactions and build friendships gradually. Be clear on expectations and appropriate behaviour. Remember following verbal instruction can be really tough for our little ones, show them the right way and model behaviour.
Cognitive Skills: Use fun educational games and activities to enhance memory, problem-solving, and attention skills. Teach Me Too is a fantastic resource to introduce early numeracy, literacy, and speech and language concepts at home during the summer break. It gives your child a head start and makes learning fun!
School Uniform Sensitivity
Practice Wearing Uniform: Help your child get used to wearing their school uniform by practicing at home. Some uniforms can be stiff or have itchy labels, which can be challenging for children with sensory sensitivities.
Washing Uniform: Wash the uniform a few times before school starts to soften the fabric and reduce any stiffness.
Taking Care of Yourself
Self-Care: Remember, you're doing an incredible job! Taking time for yourself is essential. Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea, taking a walk, or chatting with a friend, self-care helps you stay resilient for your child.
Support Network: Seek support from local Down's Syndrome support groups or online communities. Connecting with other parents who understand can provide valuable support and advice.
Useful Resources and Contacts
Local Support Groups: Join local Down's Syndrome support groups for peer support and advice. Have a look at the Down’s syndrome Association materials for more in-depth information.
Educational Resources: Explore recommended books, websites, and apps that cater to the learning needs of children with Down's Syndrome.
Contact Information: Keep a list of key contacts, including school staff, specialist educators, and support organisations.
It is an exciting but sometimes scary time, enjoy the ride and hopefully you will have a team around who all just want to create the best possible environment for your child.