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Back-to-School Checklist Tips
for Pre-School Children A child’s first
educational experiences are vital in setting a pattern of learning. Here
are some general guidelines to keep in mind: ·
Choose a school that welcomes you and your child to visit so
that you can see first hand the environment that it has to offer. ·
Observe the atmosphere. Are children happy and relaxed? Is
the teacher caring towards them? Are the children interacting with each
other and thus developing important social skills? Is the interaction
supervised? ·
Is there a lively environment that allows children to learn
through exploration? Note the type of equipment used to see if it will
enhance development and learning, mainly through play. Note the artwork
displayed on the walls. Does it reflect fun, creative learning experiences
or merely decoration generated by teachers? ·
Enquire about the curriculum and how it is taught. For
example, if the teacher is explaining how plants grow, will she bring
seeds and allow the children to plant the seeds, or is it instruction
only. ·
Does the school have a positive approach to reading, one
that helps the children learn a love of stories and books through regular
story-telling sessions. ·
Does the pre-school help children develop breadth of
experience through outings (e.g. to parks, fire station, post office,
beaches etc.) Does the school have sufficient space for play, and
preferably outdoor space with adequate equipment. Do children have access
to paint, clay, music. ·
Make sure the pre-school fulfills all government regulatory
requirements e.g. the maximum number of children per teacher. ·
Are there regular times scheduled for naps, snacks and
meals? Tips
for Elementary School Students · Be sure your child knows his or her home phone number (including area code) and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies. Make sure your child has enough change to make a phone call or that they carry a telephone calling card. · Plan a safe walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossing and use intersections with crossing guards, if possible. Test the route with your child. Share with your child to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields, and other places where there aren’t many people around, and any other information about stranger safety. · Teach children - - whether walking, biking, or riding the school bus - - to obey all traffic signals, signs, traffic officers, and safety patrols. · Make sure they walk to and from school with others - a friend, neighbor, brother, sister. Click here for the Parent Education Website |