How to prepare DD for first day at school?

[CloudyVanilla]

Hi :)

Has anyone got any tips for helping children to prepare for school? Due to Covid, as for most children my DD hasn't been in pre school since February, and she only went 3 morning a week anyway. She is also my first and so has no older siblings to learn from.

I might be being overbearing but it seems like such a huge jump. The school she is going to usually do a staggered start, but now she will be starting on a Monday (would have been Wednesday) and will be doing full days. She was actually a bit wobbly about going to nursery for the last few weeks before they shut anyway as I had just had a baby, so I took her out and I'm worried she will cope poorly. I don't know how physically I can help her get her head around the idea that she will be away from home for a full school day. It's even worse because they obviously can't do any physical inductions and meetings.

I will keep showing her the video tour and video intro from her teacher, but apart from that does anyone have any tips for preparing? You can tell she is my PFB

With DD1 we moved abroad on the Wednesday, viewed the school on the Friday, and she started full time on the Monday (into an already established class where everyone knew everybody) Massive upheaval. And it was fine.

It was a few years ago, but CBeebies had a starting school programme- is there anything like this year?

I've taught Reception before. All I can say is, don't worry! She will have a lovely first day, even if she has a wobble when you drop her off. I'm sure the staff will be warm and friendly.

I think don't worry too much about how long. Every year I had children asking when it was home time from about 10am 😆 but they all survived until 3pm! Just keep upbeat for her about it.

Thanks so much, I think your right and the best thing I can do is not to make too big a deal of it. I will have a look for the cbeebies school start programme, I remember this too but we've been watching shows on Netflix so haven't seen it in a while. Hopefully I can record a few episodes!

You can watch Time for School on the BBC iPlayer. It's also on at 14.50 weekdays on CBeebies. GL with DD. I'm sure she'll be fine.

Thank you, I will get that show for her