Starting school guide
Starting school is a big event in your child’s life. She is proud and excited – and perhaps a little apprehensive.
How can you prepare her for the transition? What skills will she need to develop before that first school bell rings? How can you make sure she walks in on that first day happy and ready to learn?
That’s what our flagship course, Get Set Five, is all about.
But if you’re not sure you’re ready for the full course, here is some reading to get you started.
Is starting school the end of childhood?
School is fun. But there’s less time for play, exploration and discovery. Is this a bad thing? And, if so, what can be done about it?
Understanding children’s drawings
Schemas are mental models our children make of the world and how things fit together. The models they have for how drawings are made are especially important because they eventually lead to writing.
Reluctant writers
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. But you can give it some fine motor activities to do while you’re waiting…
An introduction to phonics
Learning to hear and make sounds begins long before school starts. A rich diet of nursery rhymes and listening games makes it easy.
Read more about learning phonics.
The first day at school
“A fundamental goal of a school-start transition is to help young children feel suitable in school, that is, to have a feeling of well-being and belonging.”
Stig Brostrom, Educationalist.
How to hold a pencil
Holding a pencil the right way requires a lot of skill. But you can get there without rows and rows of handwriting practice. The secret is lots of fine motor activities – and fun.
Read more about pencil grip.
10 Games to get set for school
Competition is a powerful motivator. Learn vital school skills with these simple games.
Read about starting school games.
Self care for preschoolers
The more you can do for yourself when you start school, the smoother the transition will be. Help your child become more independent with this simple guide.
Read more about self care.
Teach your child to read
Reading is simple if you know how. Sight words, phonics, bedtime stories and some one-to-one time with you.
Read more about learning to read.
A starting school scrapbook
What better way to take away the fear of the unknown that to spend the summer putting together a scrapbook of all the things your child will see on her first day at school. Include pictures of the classroom and the playground, the teachers and the head.
Improve your child’s focus
Paying attention is a foundational skill. Without it, nothing else is possible.
Read more about how to improve your child’s focus.
Are you ready for school?
Do you have a preschooler? Would you like them to develop some key skills before starting school? How wonderful to go into school on that first day feeling like you belong.
Get Set Five is a weekly email course full of fun and free activities to do with your child.
We loved this course
I’ve loved doing Get Set Five with my daughter. I signed up when I was getting overwhelmed by Instagram and seeing ideas that just didn’t feel manageable for me.
I’ve developed a much stronger understanding of what she is capable of and how best to meet her where she’s at and choose activities that she’ll enjoy which are developmentally appropriate.
Most importantly I’ve stopped over complicating things and am much more able to see the opportunities in things we have around the house.
My daughter has ended up with a lovely craft station and place to do her writing and she’s become so much more independent!
The first day at school is exciting, a chance for new friends and new adventures.
Emily W., via Trustpilot
Learn to count with Snakes and Ladders
I want to tell you about the benefits of snakes and ladders and how it…
Reluctant writers
Are you worried about your child’s writing? It’s a common concern, and something many subscribers…
Help your child to focus
Do you worry your child can’t sit still for more than a few minutes? Will…
An introduction to phonics
We hear a lot about teaching children to read too early, and it’s certainly true…
Starting School Guide
The first day at school is exciting, a chance for new friends and new adventures….
10 games to get set for school
Did you know that many of the classic games you played as a child can…
The secret to education that every Zen master knows
Have you ever wanted a guide to help you educate your baby or pre-schooler? Something…
What is childhood?
Do you think children should have a childhood? Of course you do. Who wouldn’t? Here…
7 simple ways to boost learning on the way to school
If you’re lucky enough to be able to walk to school with your child then…
Is it ever OK to use flashcards?
Flashcards have a bad reputation. There are even books about it (Einstein Never Used Flashcards…
Is starting school the end of childhood?
When was the last time you painted a picture or knelt down in the mud…
A starting school scrapbook | Banish first-day nerves
Transitions are a part of life, even for the very young: from birth and starting…
How to hold a pencil
What’s the best way to hold a pencil? The answer varies depending on age but…
Self care for preschoolers | Help your child become independent
It’s easy to get caught up in the academic preparations for starting school, but just…
Maths activities for preschoolers
Would you like to help your child learn some maths but don’t know where to…
Teach your child to read
Learning to read is a long journey. It begins before your child can even speak…
Teach your child to write
You can’t teach your child to write in an afternoon. It is the work of…
Colouring in | Your secret weapon for great handwriting
As a child, did you love colouring in? It felt a bit like cheating, didn’t?…
Start With The Child
Have you ever had a brilliant idea an activity but your child showed no interest?…
Are you ready for school?
Do you have a preschooler? Would you like them to develop some key skills before starting school? How wonderful to go into school on that first day feeling like you belong.
Get Set Five is a year-long course full of fun and free activities to do with your child.