The first day of school is a milestone that’s often as nerve-wracking for parents as it is for kids, and there’s lots to do to prepare for the big day.
In an ideal world, your child is dressed, lunch is packed, there’s no traffic on the roads, and they have a massive smile on their face as they skip through the school gates for the first time.
Unfortunately, the first day of school is rarely that painless. So having a plan of action can often be a good idea which is why we’ve pulled together this guide on how to prepare you child for their first day at school.
How Prepare Your Kids First Day At School
Orientation
Parent orientations are like in-depth parent-teacher meetings but cover a broader range of topics. These sessions provide detailed insights into the school, year-to-year goals, parent expectations, overall performance, staff, and available services. It's an excellent opportunity for parents to understand what the upcoming year holds for their child. You can ask any questions about school policies, lunch procedures, or extracurricular activities. It’s also a great time to connect with other parents and potentially set up playdates or carpool arrangements.
What happens on Orientation Day?
At parent orientation, you may have the opportunity to meet all of your kid’s teachers and show you the classroom(s) where your little ones will spend the day. They’ll also offer you an idea of what your kid’s homework, assignments, and other activities will look like.
In some orientations, your child will also be able to look around the school and even participate in a few activities to help get them settled into school life as well as give them the chance to be introduced to their classmates.
It’s a good idea to ask for a point of contact in case you have any further questions after the orientation day.
Getting ready the week before
There's nothing worse than realising your child doesn't have a pencil for their first day of school!
To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, start by checking the school's supply list, which typically includes essentials like notebooks, pens, pencils, rubbers, and rulers. If your child needs specific items like art supplies, make sure those are covered too. It's a good idea to name-label everything, especially if you have younger children prone to misplacing things.
And don't forget the backpack- it should be sturdy, comfortable, and big enough to carry all their gear..
What supplies do you need for the first day of school?
Check out our ultimate back-to-school checklist with a free printable for everything your child will need, but some essentials are:
- - Pens & Pencils
- - Pencil case
- - Uniform
- - School bag
- - Lunch box (preferably with their lunch inside it!)
What to prepare on the day before school
The night before the first day of school is crucial. It's like the calm before the storm—or at least, it should be.
Here’s how to set the stage for a smooth morning:
Lay Everything Out Ready
Choose and set out your child’s uniform, shoes, and backpack. Make sure all school supplies are packed and labelled. Trust us, searching for missing crayons at 7 AM is a nightmare best avoided!
Packed Lunch
Whether you’re packing lunch or prepping for school meals, have everything ready to go. Include a little note for your child; it’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.
Early Bedtime
This isn’t just for the kids! A well-rested parent is a more patient and prepared parent. Set a bedtime that allows everyone to wake up refreshed and ready.
Talk To Your Child About The Day Ahead
Be careful not to go on and on about going to school, but make sure that any conversations surrounding the school are not only positive but calm so that they begin to associate going to school as the new norm and no big deal.
This is also an opportunity to remind your child about the fun things waiting for them at school, but also talk them through what to do if they aren’t sure about anything or have any worries.
Expect Emotions
The first day of school can be a bit overwhelming, and emotions can run high as a result of stress and change, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Your child will take cues from you, so try to stay calm and upbeat. A cheerful attitude can help alleviate their nerves.
Read Books About Starting School
Stories with characters your child can relate to, especially those with characters attending their first day of school, are useful for settling first-day jitters and providing a boost of confidence where needed.
We’ve got all sorts of children’s books to help calm any first-day jitters, but here’s some of our favourites specifically for starting school:
- - Starting School: A Peter Rabbit Tale, by Beatrix Potter, where Peter Rabbit goes to school for the first time.
- - Little Monsters Rule!, by David Walliams, where the loveable little yeti, Furball, is on his first day at Monster School.
- - Mermaid School, by Lucy Courtenay, follows Marine Blue on her first day at Mermaid School and how she conquers her fears about making friends.
Practice The School Run
Not only is this a great way to make sure you know your way to the school and how long it will take, but it also gives your child an opportunity to see their school and introduce them to the school-run routine.
Taking your child with you on a practice run can also help to start the conversation around starting school and what your child can expect so they, too, are prepared. The journey may even get them a bit excited about starting school!
The Big Day!
So you’ve got everything prepped and ready the night before, you’ve all had a good night's sleep ensuring everyone wakes up refreshed, and the morning of the first day at school is here! Start the day with a hearty breakfast and plenty of positive energy to set the tone for a fantastic first day.
Early Start
Give yourself extra time in the morning. Even if you’re usually a master of efficiency, the first day can throw unexpected surprises your way.
Stay Calm and Positive
Your child will take cues from you, so try to stay calm and upbeat. A cheerful attitude can help alleviate their nerves.
Capture the Moment
A quick photo before heading out the door is a fun tradition and a great keepsake. Just don’t let it turn into a full-blown photo shoot—time is of the essence!
Drop-Off and Goodbye
Walk your child to the classroom door if the school allows it, but resist the urge to hover. This is their time to start gaining independence. When it’s time to say goodbye, keep it short and sweet. Prolonged goodbyes can heighten anxiety for both you and your child. A hug, a kiss, and a “You’ve got this!” should do the trick.
Then, try not to worry about them too much! It will get easier with time.
Pick-Up
Be punctual for pick-up. Your child will be excited to share their day, and being there on time shows that school is important and you’re invested in their experience.
Debrief
On the way home, ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did you make any new friends?” This encourages them to share their experiences and feelings.
Settling Into the School Year
The first day is just the beginning. Here are some tips for helping you and your child settle into the new routine:
- 1. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a morning and evening routine that works for everyone. This includes homework time, playtime, and bedtime.
- 2. Stay Involved: Keep in touch with teachers and stay engaged with your child's education. Attend parent-teacher meetings and school events to stay informed and connected.
- 3. Monitor and Support: Keep an eye on your child’s emotional and academic progress. If they’re struggling with something, whether it’s making friends or grasping new concepts, address it sooner rather than later.
- 4. Celebrate Milestones: Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. It could be a new friend, a completed assignment, or simply adjusting well to the new environment.
Whether it’s your first time sending a little one off to school or you’ve had a couple of goes at it, now you can sit back and relax as you’ve got all the tips to help your little one’s first day of school run as smoothly as possible. Just remember to remain calm and be as positive as you can on the run-up to the day, and your child will feel the same.
Make sure you’ve got all the school supplies you might need and check out our range of budget-friendly stationery essentials and school essentials.
