After spending most days with your child, playing with them, and pretty much doing everything together, the time for you to enrol them in a school has finally come. There will be a few adjustments here and then, and it would be best if you prepare yourself early.
For a long time, many people feel that school is one of the dreaded places to visit and spend their days. But, school is essential; it is where your child will understand the basics like reading and writing better.
Have an Education Plan
You can’t just get up in the morning and sign up for any school your eyes land on. It may take months of preparation both for you and your child. Moreover, there are so many schools available across the country. So how do you know which is best for your child?
A well-detailed plan will come in handy. There are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, the amount of money you’ll be paying at different schools. You should pick an institution that isn’t too expensive and out of your budget.
Remember, there are other things you need to pay attention to, like shopping for studying material.
Another vital factor to consider is your child’s personality. For example, shy and quiet kids are more likely to have trouble in their first days at school than outgoing ones. In this case, you can consider other options like Online GCSE Tutors. Enrolling your child in a tutoring programme will help them receive personal care and attention.
Encourage Them About School
With time, as your child adjusts to the learning system, they will feel more confident to step out and learn with other children. But, you also need to play your role. Talk to them positively about school, even if you had some rough experiences with it.
Teach your child social skills they can apply to make new friends. Most children are usually shy on the first days, and many parents tend to assume it’s just a phase they’ll outgrow.
But what if your child genuinely doesn’t know how to interact? As a parent, you are the first person they look up to and will tend to copy.
Let them accompany you to family functions and celebrations. As they see you interacting, they will gradually learn to crawl out of their shell. When your children return home from school, ask them how they spent their day. Go through their homework and make corrections where needed.
After school, you should encourage your kids to try out sports and recreational activities with their classmates. You can drop them off at the playgrounds and watch them play. Some kids usually feel shy when around adults; let them run free but be alert in an emergency.
Luckily, your child can make a friend before school, and they won’t have to be lonely.
Funding
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for your child’s school fees. Before they get to the proper age to start schooling, you should save up money. Some shops offer discounts on things like books and uniforms.
Take advantage of these opportunities. Instead, you should shop early and store the items rather than wait for a time when there is traffic for school supplies. At this point, there are high chances of a shortage and inflation of prices.
Another way of getting money for your child’s education is by acquiring loans from banks or getting bursaries. If you are unable to raise school fees, you can sign them up for scholarships. Visit the best websites and apply early for your child’s sponsorship programme.
Your child needs to enroll in a school as soon as they reach the right age. In most countries, failure to do this is illegal, and child services may have to intervene.
Visit Their School
Most parents have their children picked up in school buses. During the first days of school, you should try to go to class with the child. Well, not sitting down with them throughout the day but for some minutes.
Consult their teachers and inquire about their performance and any issues that may be a struggle for them. It would be best if you also attended school events and allowed them to go for educational trips.
Encourage Them To Study
Even before your children start school, you should encourage them to learn by picking up books and studying. Doing this will help cultivate a reading culture; moreover, they will learn to concentrate for long hours.
You can start by introducing them to colourful books with a few words and more pictures. Then, study with them and help pronounce new words. They may tend to be curious a lot and ask plenty of questions.
Try to explain concepts using simple language and a cordial tone. Be patient with them, understand that a question as simple as “what is an apple?” may be repeated a couple of times as they grow.
Studies show that watching videos and cartoons can help the child learn when they see pictures. But, it would be best if you didn’t overdo it. Your child may end up being an addict to the screen at a very early age. Instead, you can allow them to play outside with toys or invite their friends over during their free time.
As mentioned earlier, a child is most likely to copy their parents. You should try and set a time to either read or concentrate on something with them. You can teach your child how to draw or anything that will command their attention fully.
Change Your Routines
Your daily routines will have to change to accommodate your child’s schedule. Therefore, plan the adjustments as soon as possible. Try to stick to your new habits so that your child can cope with the changes too and adjust faster.
Bottom Line
Certain things in your life will change when your child starts school. Hopefully, these simple tips will help to prepare for that time. You can also consult your fellow parents for advice or help. You don’t have to be alone in your parenting journey.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links