10 Tips for Successfully Navigating the First Day of School in South Africa
The first day of school is often an anxiety-inducing experience for parents, students and teachers alike. Whether you’re starting kindergarten, high school or somewhere in between, there are plenty of pitfalls to avoid on the very first day. Here are 10 tips to help South African families make sure their first day back at school runs smoothly.
1. Arrive Early
Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare due to traffic, parking and possibly finding the right classroom. Schools in South Africa already tend to be overcrowded, and arriving late on the first day of school only makes it more difficult for the teacher to sort out who belongs where. Trying to find your way as quickly as possible also helps to ease the stress of the situation.
2. Have a Plan in Place for After School Activities
Even if you plan on walking home, it’s still important to have a plan. You’ll need to discuss who is responsible for picking your child up or dropping them off, what they can do while they wait, and where they are allowed to go. Back to school time is also a busy period for after school activities and clubs, so having a plan will help keep you organised and your child on track.
3. Prepare All Stationery Necessary
End of August usually marks the busy ordering of stationery and textbooks. It helps to check the school website for any additional information the teacher might need. This might include folders, pens and paper for certain classes. It’s also important to check for any textbooks that need to be covered to differentiate between different classes.
4. Get to Know Teachers and School Admin Staff
Introducing your child to the classroom teacher and school admin staff is a great way to foster relationships. If your child has a specific issue or needs to ask a question, they can go to someone they feel comfortable talking to. A teacher or admin staff at the school will also be able to update you on any information you need.
5. Review Routines for the Day
Before the school starts, it helps to review the schedule of classes and other activities. Make sure your child knows how to get from class to class, where to find the canteen and relevant bathrooms, and how to get lunch. Talk through any safety procedures the school has in place and any extracurricular activities your child can take part in.
6. Have an Emergency Contact Number
Even if you plan on picking up your child at the end of the day, it’s always a good idea to leave an emergency contact number or numbers. When possible, go in person to let the office staff know who they can call in case of an emergency.
7. Take Photos or Video
To make sure you always have a visual of your child during the first day of school, take a few photos or a short video. This is especially important if your child is starting a new grade or school, as a visual reference will help the teacher and students get to know each other better.
8. Pack Worry-Free Lunches
Pack food that your children are familiar with. Exploring new snacks and dishes is great for developing young palettes, but it should rarely happen on the first day back to school. Make sure that your kid will finish their lunch before the bell rings – and help them be aware of their portion size.
9. Plan for the Week Ahead
Make a checklist of things you need to do during the week, such as buying textbooks, arranging transport, ordering stationery and setting up after-school activities. This will help both you and your child stay on top of their activities and focus on learning in the classroom.
10. Remain Calm and Positive
Every child has different reactions to the anxiety and excitement of the first day of school. You will be the one that sets the tone, so staying calm, positive and reassuring will do wonders to alleviate any worries and help your child adjust to their new environment.
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