If your child has developed some independent behaviours, he/she will feel secure and confident and settle in more easily.

Some suggestions

It will greatly help if your son/daughter is able to

  • button and unbutton a coat and hang it up,
  • use the toilet independently and flush it,
  • wash and dry their hands,
  • use a tissue when necessary,
  • share toys and play items with others,
  • ‘take turns’ to some extent,
  • tidy up and put away toys, materials, etc,
  • eat an adequate lunch and put away their lunchbox in their schoolbag.

Preparing for the ‘Big Day’

The child’s first day at school is a day to remember for a lifetime. You can help to make it a really happy one for your son/daughter.

  • Discuss all aspects of school beforehand. Talk about it as a happy place where there will be a big welcome with lots of new friends and wonderful things to do.
  • Do not use school or the teacher as a threat. Such comments generally said lightheartedly can make some children apprehensive
  • Clearly label your child’s coat/jacket, jumper/cardigan and the school tracksuit. Mislaying an item can cause upset.
  • Provide him/her with a bag large enough to take A4 size books, a lunchbox and more.

Teaching & Learning

Children are natural learners. They have an inbuilt curiosity and an eagerness to know more about everything – about themselves, about others and the world around them. And they learn fast – but only when they are ready and their interest is aroused. The rate of progress of individual children can vary greatly. At St. Aidan’s we try to give them an opportunity to move ahead at their own pace. Our focus is on:

  • developing oral language and expression,
  • sharpening the senses – especially seeing, hearing and touching,
  • developing physical co-ordination of the hand and fingers,
  • getting the children to listen attentively,
  • extending their concentration span,
  • learning through play and discovery,
  • co-operation with the teacher and other children,
  • performing tasks independently,
  • working collaboratively with others,
  • developing an awareness of general order and class rules.

During their time in Primary School children will access 11 subjects in 7 curricular areas as well as Religious Education. Although they will not be conscious of it, in their first year at school they will be introduced to all of them in a structured and integrated way which will lay the foundation for their on-going learning.

Socially, the first year in school is mainly about settling in, relating to others, making friends, feeling happy and gradually getting used to the routine of the school.