School starts, childhood continues
Starting school is an exciting time for both the first grader and the whole family.
The child’s environment expands as they move about more independently and learn new skills and rules. They are expected to manage certain things on their own, such as travelling to and from school, and to take responsibility for agreed tasks.
Although school is starting, a first grader’s childhood will continue for a long time to come. Becoming independent is a gradual process, and young pupils need their parent’s support along the way.
The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare has compiled information, tips and activities to help families with first graders to prepare for the start of school together.
Printable checklists help young pupils remember important morning routines and keep track of agreed tasks.
Children starting school cannot and do not need to know everything straight away. Let your child know that they are loved, that they already have many skills and that they are learning new things every day.
What does a first grader need their parent’s help with?
A child who is ready for school has skills and abilities that will continue to be developed and strengthened along the way. Generally, a 6–7-year-old child is eager and ready to face challenges and learn new things.
Children do not need to be completely school-ready, but for the sake of their self-esteem they should have sufficient skills to feel they can cope. Too many demands or repeated failures can feel discouraging and take the joy out of schoolwork.
Is your child ready to start school?
A child is ready to start school when they are, for example:
- able to take care of basic needs independently, such as using the toilet, washing their hands, eating, undressing, getting dressed and hanging their coat on a hook.
- able to be apart from their parents for the duration of the school day and, if necessary, to cope independently after school as well. The child needs to know which adult is looking after them at any given time.
- physically ready for schoolwork. This means, for example, that the child has enough energy for the school day, including travelling to and from school, and that their hand-eye coordination and pencil grip are developed enough to begin learning to write.
- persistent enough: can concentrate and sit still, complete exercises and take on new information and instructions.
- able to understand speech and express themselves verbally.
- able to wait, take turns and cope reasonably well with disappointment and frustration.
- able to seek out the company of other children and interact with friends.
- able to understand, for example, what subtraction and addition mean, or how objects can belong to different categories at the same time.
One aspect of school readiness may be strong, whilst another may still require practice. These skills are further practised and supported at school and at home during the first few years of school. Every child is a valuable individual who develops at their own pace.
Smartphones are not recommended for children under 13. Whether you are getting a children’s smartwatch or something else, what should you keep in mind when purchasing a device, and how can you practise using it safely together?
Good to know before buying a phone
You can use this list of tips to support learning when your child is not motivated to learn or is struggling. Find out how you can encourage the young learner.
Starting school can be scary for the child. It is the parent’s job to help and support them.
How to help a child who is afraid