We wish to offer you the following ideas to help you prepare your child for their first day of school.

• Talk a lot to the child and encourage them to express themselves. Listen to what they say.
• Ensure they have lots of experiences – visit the beach, bush areas, airport, railway station etc. Go shopping together and allow your child to help find items on your list.
• You may wish to teach them to write their name, define colours, shapes, sizes and how to do up shoelaces. Encourage them to cut out, paste, paint etc.
• If you child shows an interest in copying words, please make sure you do not print with capitals only.
• Teach you child to take care of personal belongings.
• Try to make sure that they are able to complete tasks you have set for them.
• Join the library and read books often to your child. Encourage your child to participate in the story.
• Encourage your child to become more independent

 

Pre-School Visits

Parents and children are encouraged to visit the new entrant classroom prior to the child starting on their first day. The main objectives of an introductory visit are:

• To familarise the child with the classroom and environment . All children deal with school visits different. Please feel free to stay in the classroom for the duration of the visit, or if you both feel comfortable, you are welcome to leave your child and return later.
• To encourage a positive parent / teacher, home / school relationship
• To observe the child and listen to parents analysis of their child, in particular any social, physical special needs for when the child starts school

School visits will include the daily programme of writing, news, physical education and / or reading. Ideally the child will rekindle friendships with his peers and start a positive relationship with the teacher.

School visits are held on a Friday morning (8.40am – 10.15am) and Thursday afternoon (1.00pm – 2.40pm). If these times are not suitable please contact the school office to make an alternative arrangement.

We ask you to report to the school office on your first preschool visit as parents need to sign a pre-enrolment permission slip and you will then be taken to the classroom.

We look forward to welcoming you to Makarewa School.