Before you start school

Welcome to Aranui Primary! We hear that you’re about to start school!

To make the transition from home, preschool or kindy to school it would be fantastic if you could do the following to help your child get ready for school.

Help teach your child to:

•  Write their name.
•  Hold a pen or pencil correctly.
•  Know some alphabet letters and their sounds.
•  Count to ten – forwards and backwards.
•  Recognise numerals 0-10.
•  Recognise and name basic colours and shapes.
•  Use scissors appropriately.
•  How to hold a picture book and turn pages carefully.
•  Listen to stories and talk about them.
•  Dress themselves, do their shoes up.
•  Go to the toilet unassisted.
•  Know when and how to blow his/her nose.
•  Follow instructions (Do what they are asked).
•  Manage own lunchbox.

Helping your child at home

The school day is only part of your child’s learning. Here are some other easy ways you can help at home.

•  Read your child lots of stories, encourage sharing books.
• Encourage writing, drawing, making things, colouring in at home. Have a place to display work (e.g. on the fridge, or on the wall).
• Play games together.
•  Sing and say rhymes together.
•  Spend quality time with your child.
•  Send your child to school well rested.
•  Listen to them read their school-reader or poetry book.
•  Encourage them to share their published work with you.