NSW Department of Education teachers have shared advice about how to get ready for Kindergarten as more than 61,000 children prepare to start at NSW public schools.
Department Secretary Murat Dizdar said teachers and staff were looking forward to meeting the incoming Kindergarten class of 2025 from February 6.
"Our school communities are so excited to welcome our youngest learners at the start of their public education journey," Mr Dizdar said.
"There's a lot to take in, with new friends, environments, routines and expectations. Our school staff will be right beside the Kinders and their role is to develop a love of learning in our classrooms."
Children will participate in the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment in the first six weeks of Term 1 to identify their literacy and numeracy knowledge, skills and understanding.
It will help their educators develop effective programs to build on what children currently know and support a successful transition into school.
Old Guildford Public School assistant principal Alex Ricci said the transition to school was an exciting time and involved navigating and adjusting to several changes.
"We very much believe we're not getting the child ready for school, we're getting ready for them," Ms Ricci said.
"We're getting to know the children, so we know how to support them and help them have the most successful start to school."
Ms Ricci said her school had been running transition programs for preschoolers for more than 15 years to enhance a smooth transition to Kindergarten.
"Our students have different experiences so as teachers we need to acknowledge that and build on what they already know, their existing skills, interests and knowledge," she said.
Cooma Public School principal Karen Butchers, who is expecting three kindergarten classes this year, said schools also learned from parents, who were their child's first educators.
"One of the most important things parents can do is develop a real love of learning in their children – reading books with your children and sitting with them creates that positive interaction with literacy," she said.
She said building routines, especially around bedtime, was very important.
"The routines include having a good sleep, getting up and having breakfast, learning to get dressed in the uniform, and tying your own shoelaces."
Secretary Mr Dizdar said the 2,200 NSW public schools encouraged families to be involved in their children's learning and their school.
For the new Kindergarten students, he said parents and carers should let them know to "just take one day at a time", to ask questions, and enjoy the new experience.
"We know a successful transition to school has been shown to improve a child's long-term academic, social and wellbeing outcomes," he said.
"It sets a strong foundation for positive relationships with our families, who play such an important role in their child's learning."
School readiness: what should Kinders be able to do?
· Recognise their belongings
· Open and close lunchboxes including packets
· Know how to ask for help when needed
· Be able to separate from parent or carer
· Interact socially with other children
· Put on their uniform
· Know hygiene routines
How parents can prepare their child for school
· Help develop a love of learning (read books to your children, get them to use writing tools to explore or do art).
· Talk or read about the school routine – what will play look like? what are the hygiene practices? – discuss the sounds of school, like bells and buzzers.
· Be positive about your child's efforts and follow their interests.
· Discuss any special needs of your child with the school.
· Work out how your child will travel to school. Practise walking the route to school.
· Promote a sense of belonging with your new school by taking part in transition programs, going on school tours, attending meetings or activities held on school grounds.
SOURCE: NSW Department of Education
