Sunbury Primary School Parent Information Handbook

How to help your child cope with beginning school:EatingPack your child a healthy and appetising lunch and play lunch. Children should be able to feedthemselves, unwrap sandwiches, undo lunch boxes and drink containers, and peel a piece offruit.DressingAs they wear school uniform all articles of clothing should be clearly labelled, and thechildren made aware of how to recognise their clothing. School children need to be able todress themselves, so please teach your child to tie their shoelaces from an early age(alternatively shoes with Velcro fasteners are ideal). Provide your child with plenty ofencouragement as they start to put on clothing items, such as jumpers and socks.CleanlinessThe children need to know when and how to wash their hands. They are expected to be ableto visit the toilet independently, and boys need to know how to use the urinal. If your child isprone to ‘accidents’, send a spare pair of pants in his/her school bag. All children shouldcarry a handkerchief, and know how to blow their noses.Other skills to encourageColouring in, using scissors, pouring things, building and stacking of blocks, throwing andcatching balls, tidying up, sitting and standing still and listening, following instructions andasking for help.Emotional DevelopmentCan your child make choices, accept rules, adapt to frequent changes? This will be animportant part of school life. Playing games with family and friends is a fun way to help withchildren’s emotional development. Through games children develop self-control, confidence,responsibility, independence and start to see the value of persistence.As every opportunity should be utilised to build up the child’s sense of security and worth,we will continue to reinforce this at school.Social DevelopmentWhen a child begins school he/she is confronted with many people, mostly bigger childrenand adults. Children who have had the opportunities to mix with other children and adultslearn skills which help them to cope with the social aspects of school.Always encourage your children to share, take turns, listen and communicate. Start lettingthem perform tasks without adult help, for example setting the table, putting toys away.21