Transitioning from the safety of those early years in a nursery or the local playgroup to a child's very first mainstream school is a daunting and difficult time for all concerned - parents and carers as well as the child.
Many a Mum has been known to burst through her 'fear bubble' and call the school or class teacher in despair the night before that first scarey day in a bid to quieten her anxiety with a list of questions and statements:
Let me give you some things you can plan ahead of time:
Many of our chidlren struggle with simple skills that other children seem to learn and quickly take for granted. One major area that I will discuss is getting a child's attention then keeping it and actually sharing it!
I give you hints and tips on how to think it all through and how to make it fun for everyone - our children shouldn't be the only ones having the excitement!
I also underline a number of really important issues such as making sure your approach works right from the start, using that all important communication and putting in a large dollop of 'social' in to the mix.
Remember, it is easier to get started than you think - just GO for it!
Attention - Getting it, Keeping it and Sharing it!