We have recently been sent a copy of 'Got a Young One Starting School' compiled by a Mana Ake group in North Canterbury. This group of social workers are in our schools to support tamariki, kaiako and whanau. During the next few months we will add relevant pieces to the newsletter for those getting ready to transition.

School Readiness: 

We can get carried away focusing on colours, numbers, shapes and recognising letters, writing/recognising name.  However, keep the basics front and centre;

Encourage self-management skills.

-Can they manage their own toileting? 

-Can they wash their hands without prompting?

-Can they carry their own bag?

-Can they put their own shoes on?

-Can they do up and take off their jacket?

-Can they put their togs on and off/change independently?

Encourage them to be curious - asking questions is a big part of being curious - and we all want our tamariki to be confident enough to ask questions, right?

Help them practice listening - reading to them is one of the best ways to do this.

Play with them - games that teach them about turn taking really help them cope in the classroom and playground.

Knowing what 'no' and 'stop' means - put boundaries in place and reinforce them, so they understand about rules and when adults might be guiding them to stay safe.

Spend time with other kids, so they learn how to socialise, interact and share - preferably without hovering too much, but guiding them to own their actions.

These may seem like very simple strategies - and are all things that you are probably doing.  However, it is always good to acknowledge and celebrate what we are doing already!

Transition to School Team

Jess & Penny