Tips for our children starting school.....

[kimberle...@gmail.com]

Hi

Our daughter has Just started at school and it has been quite challenging getting her settled in. I know this is VERY normal for most children but if anyone has and tips that will help her adjust quickly to the change we could greatly appreciate it. Her issues are mostly the initial drop off in the morning (ie me getting out of there and avoiding tears) and she is not enjoying lunchtime play as she finds all the bigger kids in the playground quite over whelming and isn't sure what to do with herself, we have tried to encourage her to make some new friends which she is slowly doing but still most days we get the ....I don't want to go to school, I don't want to talk about school...... lots of crying at night and lots of I have a sore tummy.......  and so on! sure most of you have heard all this from your darlings but if anyone has some great tips and ideas to share, that would be cool. (I really want her to tell me about her day at school too haha)...  Kimberlee

[twvaealiki]

Hi Kimberlee,
I have 2 boys at Stonefields sch - hub 4 and 1. My younger son found the visits overwhelming and about 2 weeks after he stated. What I found helped was getting to sch half an hour before sch started each day, so he had time to play a game in the hub with me or to show me his books or anything he had done during the days learning.
He especially loves the reading hives where their bee travels up and around the hive through each level. Personally that's my fave part of the hub.
I didn't talk much about sch if he didn't want to and really got down and helped him each morning to get dressed and prepare for a whole new day.
Some kids find a new start so overwhelming and it's common in girls as we have the tendency to over analyze. Keep things calm, simple and try and get to sch early as possible.
Good luck!!

[Sarah Holland]

Kimberlee, Tanya - you two are awesome!

This is exactly what we were hoping to see in here... you all asking questions and sharing your experiences and thoughts.  Thanks for being so open and honest  :)

What experiences have others had?  Please do share what worked for you (and maybe what didn't)...

[Nigel dunne]

 

Hi there also when the new classes are built will there be a completely separate playground for the bigger kids?

I find the Friday tuck shop after school thing a hit with Alexi she responds well to making a Friday a little different ie at

daycare Friday was the only lunchbox day they had and she loved it. It seems to be a great time to mix with other parents too.

[get_...@hotmail.com]

Hi Kimberlee,

Yes it's just heartbreaking when you ask about your child's day and they say that no-one would play with them or they were alone at lunchtime. I found that as suggested to go earlier and let them lead you through their new life there but also assist them in meeting other kids. Get involved in what other children are doing, ask them questions and also talk to them on the playground so that your child feels more comfortable talking to them also. They can learn their names and you can introduce them get the conversation started, it's even hard for us adults to spark up conversation with new people so our children need help too! Perhaps meet the parents of some children who they seem to click with and organise playdates after school etc....

It just takes time, don't make it too much of a big deal or appear worried, I found that by making it an issue it stressed our daughter more, I just said 'Yes it's is tricky, making friends can take a bit of time but never mind, there are lots of children to meet!'.

I'm sure she will be fine, talk to the teachers if you are really concerned I'm sure they will be more than happy to report anything that concerns them....

Jennifer

[Kimberlee Sweeney]

thanks guys for your posts, really appreciate your advice!  its nice to know we are not alone. and I hope others benefit from reading our stories. We have spent a lot of time in the classroom and play ground before and after school this past week and a bit and its definitely helped our daughter to adjust and settle in a bit more. this week there has been much less tears and only mild anxiety so hopefully we are on the up and up. its not an easy time for any of us but least of all our wee ones. It all just takes time and patients I suppose.

cheers

On Saturday, 22 June 2013 12:28:29 UTC+12, Kimberlee Sweeney wrote:

[Charlotte Hinge]

Hi all. Am putting together a (hopefully useful!) resource for new parents and children starting at Stonefields School and came across what could be a beneficial website for newbies...http://www.helpguide.org/mental/separation_anxiety_causes_prevention_treatment.htm 

On Saturday, June 22, 2013 12:28:29 PM UTC+12, Kimberlee Sweeney wrote: