The first and most important step is to have an honest conversation with your child about the upcoming changes. Children often have concerns about starting their education in a new environment. After all, the change from preschool to school is a huge upheaval for them – a new place, new people and new rules.

– Above all, it is important to remember not to dismiss a child’s feelings during such a conversation. Some parents believe that a tough approach and words such as “don’t be silly” or “come on, what could happen?” will make a child more resilient. However, they can do more harm than good and intensify the fear – explains educator Paulina Drzewicka, deputy director of the Krzyś and Srebrna Kotwica preschools in Gdańsk and an expert at the #MAMYNATORADĘ advice platform of the Ogólnopolski Operator Oświaty Foundation. – This is all the more important because at school a child may encounter different treatment from peers. Not every student will be a friend, and some may even cause problems.

That is why it is worth listening to and understanding exactly what is worrying the child. Such an empathetic conversation can not only dispel many doubts, but also build a sense of security and support in the child.

Independence as the key to success

Another important part of preparation is learning independence. In preschools, children learn basic tasks such as changing clothes and tying their shoes, but the demands at school are much greater. Parents should therefore make sure that their child is able to manage
basic tasks independently, which will help them avoid unnecessary stress.

– It is also important to talk to the child appropriately about independence and not frighten them with the need to cope on their own. A child will willingly take on challenges if we provide practical preparation – advises Paulina Drzewicka. – Let’s teach them the basics: changing clothes, changing shoes, keeping track of their belongings and using them.

The expert from the Ogólnopolski Operator Oświaty Foundation advises going for a walk or taking a trip with the child to their new school. Let’s show them what the route and the place they will now visit frequently look like. This will allow the future student to become familiar with previously unexplored surroundings and even begin to get used to them.

Parental support during the first days of school

– A good way to prepare for the first school experiences is to shop for school supplies together. For a child, this ritual can mean that instead of
stress, they feel excitement at the thought of life as a first-grader – encourages the educator from the #MAMYNATORADĘ platform. – Therefore, as far as your finances allow, let them choose things such as a backpack, pencil case or PE kit.

The first days at school are, in turn, a time of adaptation. It is important to monitor how the child is coping with new responsibilities, while not putting too much pressure on them. Parents should also be alert to any signs that something is wrong – problems at school can have various causes, from learning difficulties to conflicts with peers. In such situations, it is crucial that the child feels they can always count on their parents and is not afraid to report problems.

Tips for parents:

  • Talk to your child about their concerns and expectations related to school. Do not dismiss their feelings,
  • Take your child for a walk to the new school so they can become familiar with the new place,
  • Prepare your child to carry out basic tasks independently,
  • Support them with new responsibilities and respond immediately to any potential problems.

source: Ogólnopolski Operator Oświaty Foundation

This advice is part of the #MAMYNATORADĘ social project, whose aim is to support parents in caring for their children’s proper development. Free guides for parents are prepared by experienced educators, child psychologists and speech therapists with experience in schools and preschools: https://operator.edu.pl/pl/poradnia The project is run by the educational Ogólnopolski Operator Oświaty Foundation. It is financed by voluntary contributions and donations and allocations of 1.5% of PIT tax.

Since 2001, the Ogólnopolski Operator Oświaty Foundation has carried out educational and social activities and supported local governments in implementing educational tasks and projects. The Foundation is a public-benefit organization. It runs free preschools and schools throughout Poland. More than 8,000 children attend its 67 institutions.