As part of preparing for school, it is important to designate a space your child will use for learning and doing homework.
If the child has their own room, that is usually the best place. However, if that is not possible, choose a shared area in the home where the child can sit peacefully at a specific time of day to learn and complete their assignments. It is important that the spot is always the same, so the child starts to see it as their dedicated work area.
Also, try to reduce distractions in that space. For example, if the child is working at the kitchen table, turn off the radio or TV while they are doing homework.
Before school starts, set aside some time in your schedule (15 minutes to begin with) to sit with your child in that space and draw, colour, read picture books, talk and imagine together, count pebbles, play with modelling clay or dough, and similar activities. These fun moments create a great foundation for reading and writing. Do not try to teach your child to read or write at this point (unless they are eager to do so) — simply enjoy the time and create a positive, relaxed “working” atmosphere.
Once school begins, your child will associate that space with those enjoyable activities and begin to see it as their own working area.
School bag and supplies
One of the more exciting tasks for every new schoolchild is picking out a school bag and other school supplies. We strongly recommend involving your child in this process. Set criteria together for choosing the bag, pencil case, slippers, book covers, and so on.
You can decide the price range and quality, and let your child choose the design, colour, and similar features. If they feel included and get to pick items they like, they are more likely to take good care of their school supplies.
If you are receiving supplies through a donation program, check if there is an option for your child to choose a bag or pencil case they like.
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