Starting in "Big School" - Advice for Parents

“Big school” is a whole new world for the Junior Infant child. They are now in a bigger class- grouping with 20 children in the class. We are very lucky in that we take in three classes of 21/22 Infants. It gives the children a great start to school life.

It is important to spend a lot of time in September getting the children settled in and being happy coming into school. Developing good social skills is more important at this stage than academic learning. In the first week we concentrate on learning the names of the other children. Children learn to share, to be kind to others, to let everyone play in the game, to listen, to put up their hand, to take their turn. We don’t run, kick, bite, push, grab or swing on our chair. Sometimes these have to be said over and over again, but it is worth it as it makes for a happy school life for all.

Advice for Parents:

• On the first morning bring your child to the classroom, hang up their coat outside the room, meet the teacher and then get them sitting down as quickly as possible.
• Take a photo.  Bring a camera to photograph this important day.
• Don’t delay too long. Give your child a big hug and leave. If your child is crying, I can guarantee you that this stops very quickly. Children start playing with toys, talking to friends and life is great!
• Always be on time, both for morning play time and to collect your child after school.
• Give your child a healthy lunch.  Make sure they have enough, but not too much. Your child will have 2 short breaks - at 10.50 and at 12.15.  Always include a bottle of water.
• Label everything – books, copies, bag, lunch box, coat, hat, scarf, gloves, jumper – whatever your child brings to school.
• School Bag: Buy your child a good-sized school bag. It should carry an A4 sized pocket-folder. Children often have trouble fitting everything into their bag, so a big bag makes life easier for them.  Having shoulder strap is helpful, as they will be hanging their bags on the back of their chair.
• Getting dressed: Teach your child how to take off / put on their jumper and their coat. Teach them how to pull out a sleeve that is inside-out. Teach them how to fasten their coat. These are little things, but mean a lot when a child knows how to do them.
• Talking about school: Don’t ask your child “What did you do today?” They will answer “Nothing”. Ask them “Did you draw/say rhymes/ sing/ read a story?” This should get an answer.

Remember, if you have any questions, just ask the teacher.