Building Bridges: Supporting Your Child’s Move from Preschool to Primary.

When children go from preschool to primary school they can feel stressed and overwhelmed. It is not only the level of education that is increasing but there are changes all around. For instance, the environment, peers, teachers and studies all change. During this transition, parents must support children so they can adjust easily. As one of the top schools in Nagpur, the faculty and GIIS team ensure that students get the attention they require during this transition. However, the initial preparation starts at home. Below are some easy strategies that parents can use to help children face changes with ease and adapt to this new stage of their lives. 

Initiate open conversations with your child: 

1. It is helpful to let children express themselves during grade transitions. Preschool education allows children more time for play but in secondary school, they will have to focus more on studies. You should explain changes such as class schedules, subjects they will study, and how they will meet new teachers and peers.
   
2. Address any questions that come up patiently and compassionately. Let them share their experiences at school and with other children freely. This way you’ll better understand what they are going through.
   
3. Accept their feelings and let them know that being afraid or anxious is okay. Reassure them that you will support them and their new teachers are there to help. 

Help them feel safe by giving them a tour of their new environment:

1. Take them to visit the school before their classes begin. You can see the new building and their new class. It will help them get familiar with the new classroom and environment.
2. Meet their new homeroom teacher while on the tour. You can meet the teacher and talk about the things your child can expect in the class. You can also find details about the other teachers and the subjects they will teach.
   
3. Spend some time on campus exploring the playgrounds, art and music rooms, labs and the technology being employed in the classes. This can help the child find their interests and get excited about learning new things. 

Start building habits that help them adjust better to their new routine: 

1. Set their bedtime to accommodate their school timings. It will help them wake up easily during school days. You can gradually make them go to sleep earlier. For example, if they go to sleep at 9 pm, gradually move up the time to 8:45 and then to 8:30.
   
2. Dedicate a time for studying at home before they go out to play. By doing this they can prepare for their classes at school in advance. When school starts the same dedicated time can be used for finishing homework or studying for tests.
   
3. To excel in primary education your children have to focus more on their studies. Make changes in your home environment. Create a dedicated space for their studies, keeping healthy snacks handy, setting space for school uniforms and books and for toys to play with after studying. This will motivate them to finish their studies and go to play.  

Motivate them to to things on their own:  

1. Teach them to dress themselves. Start by helping them take a bath independently, put on their uniform, and shoes and set their hair. Assist them when needed but allow them to do these things on their own for the most part.
   
2. Let them pack their bags for school. Help them with the books, stationery, art supplies, and other items that they need for school. Let them arrange these items in their bag.
   
3. Doing these things will instil a sense of accomplishment in children and empower them.  It will help them be confident and self-reliant. Moreover, finishing tasks independently will give them a good foundation for when they grow up.  

Practice social skills with your children: 

1. Making friends, being able to communicate their needs to teachers and being able to express themselves is very important for your child’s happiness and growth.
   
2. Teach your child the value of sharing and empathising. When children share their books and toys they also bond. It also helps when children are empathetic towards each other children they make stronger bonds.
   
3. Communicate with your children every day. Help them understand that they can tell you and their teachers if they are facing any difficulties.
   
4. Motivate them to join clubs and other activities at school, like functions, plays and group activities in class.

Set their expectations for their new class: 

1. Tell them that they will learn new things and it is okay not to understand everything immediately. Tell them to confidently ask questions when needed. Let them know that it is safe to ask their doubts.
2. Explain that they are going to feel that their new lessons and class structure are different from their preschool education. This is because they are growing up and can handle difficulties while learning new things. Also, tell them that it is an opportunity to grow their skills and dedicate time to things they like.
3. Practice basic skills such as writing, holding a pencil, writing their name, pronouncing basic words and speaking sentences to help them gain confidence for self-expression. 

Suggestions for parents to cope with the changes: 

1. Stay in active communication with the teachers. Ask them about your child’s performance and behaviour. Also, take an interest in your child’s schoolwork, and talk to them about how they spent their day. This will help you understand how well they are coping with their new class.
   
2. Label your child’s belongings to avoid mix-ups with others. This also helps mitigate conflicts.
   
3. Take care of your health as you would take care of your child. Do meal preparation beforehand to avoid eating fast food and giving your child unhealthy food.  Also, keep your mind active with simple physical activities such as yoga. Do things that make you happy and practice mindfulness through meditation or hobbies, like making art. 

Actively participate in school events:

1. Attend all parent-teacher meetings to stay up-to-date with your child’s primary education journey.
2. Nagpur CBSE schools, like GIIS, also organise events like festivals, workshops and summer camps for their students. Parents can participate with their children in most events. We recommend that parents do so to stay updated with the new things their children are learning.
3. Support your children when they participate in school activities. Help them take care of the costumes and props that they need for their school functions. Buy them the materials they need for their workshops or summer camps on time.
4. Allow them to participate in inter-school competitions, field visits and fun activities such as school picnics and trips so they can socialise, bond and integrate better at school. 

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Kindergarten schools in Nagpur, like GIIS, prepare students for their time in higher grades. They let them do tasks on their own such as choosing their daily activities, making snacks and working in groups. You should allow children to do certain things at home independently so children can become confident and self-reliant. These qualities will help them manage the changes of going to primary school and beyond with ease.