Who else has kids starting Prep this year?

[~breeze~]

whats prep? My daughter starts pre-school today, is that the same? (she goes to BIG school next year)

[aussienic]

Prep is the grade before yr 1..

used to be pre school in QLD but now they go 5 days a week normal school hours..

[~breeze~]

oh, ok... in NSW thats called kindy, although DD was in "kindy" class at daycare last year & now "pre school" class at the same daycare then next year she'll be in "kindy" at primary school.

Thanks

[aussienic]

Why can't it just be the same all over Australia.. It irratates me things vary from state to state..

[AliBaby]

Oh what a special time for you and your little man.

I am sure it is exciting and nerve racking at the same time. Such a big milestone in both of your lives.

I am a primary school teacher and have taught kindy the past 3 years. Some things that might help your little man for school...

- start packing a lunch box for him at home during the day (while you are both on holidays). Make it a fun thing and get him used to eating out of it and getting it out of his school bag (if you have it yet). This will help when he has to independently do this at school.

- Have a few play days with some other children who are DD's age if you can to get him used to interacting with other children. If your child doesnt make friends on the first day, first week, first few weeks, don't worry! Kids are quite shy at the beginning of school and they are all getting used to one and other and getting to know each other.

- Have you been up to the school yet? You could make a few trips there in the holidays. Just walking up to school, walking home again.

- Talk about school in a positive, enthusuastic way.

- If you are upset, nervous try not to show it to your little man. He will pick up on your vibes and feel this way as well. Try and save it for when he is not around.

- Have a special uniform day at home so that he will be used to wearing his school uniform and excited about it.

- On the first day, if he is upset and is holding on to you, bring him into the class, stay for 5-10minutes and then as hard as it will be for you both LEAVE! He will be fine and so will you, go home and have a cry or if you meet some other mums from your child's class ask them if they want to grab a coffee so that you can talk about how you are feeling together.

I have put a link for you which has some info for helping you and your child prepare for school. Helping your child prepare for their first day - NSW Department of Health

I hope that helps. If youneed any other advice or help feel free to ask or PM me.

Good luck to both of you.

[aussienic]

Thanks for that..

thankfully he makes friends reasonably easy.. he is very confident there..

The one thing he is super excited about is that they have computers at school lol.. his older brother always gets to go on the comp so he is pleased he will have some for himself lol..

We went to nearly every prep day so he would know where he was going ect..

His teacher is the same teacher my son had for his first year at school..