BAGSOFFUN
Caterpillar Backpack
inspired by The Very
Hungry Caterpillar,
$250, from Bookazine
Disney 101
Dalmation Bag,
$390, from Cath
Kidston
Finishing line
rucksack,
$490, Cath
Kidston
Nord Anglia
International
School
a worry. Equally, your child will be
encountering many new instructions
and routines. It would be extremely
useful if you have helped to nurture
your child’s listening skills,” Loraine and
Anna comment.
Let them know what to expect
Children will settle far quicker when
t hey know what to expect and they feel
reassured, explains Jane Archibald,
director of admissions and marketing,
Nord Anglia International School in
Kowloon. She encourages parents to
visit the school with their child and to
talk about what going to school means.
Parents can talk about the teacher,
what happens at lunchtime and
playtime, the different things children
may get to do and play with, and the
friends they will make. “Talk them
through what will happen so they know
what to expect and listen to any worries
they may have. This will help to take the
fear out of the unknown and give them
confidence,” Jane advises.
This is why routine is so important.
“Routine builds security so get into
one as soon as possible. Routine
also means regular bed times, waking
times, packing schoolbags and leaving
the house. There is nothing worse than
a rushed, stressed start to the day, as
this will affect your child,” she explains.
Academic support
“To ready your children for reading,
writing and mathematics lessons, you
should encourage them to undertake
simple household chores, such as
sorting clothes, pairing socks and
cutting up fruits and vegetables.
Spend time drawing with your child to
help them develop their writing skills,”
advises Cannie Pang, founder member
of Forest House in Sai Kung. She also
encourages parents to use proper
language when talking, not baby talk.
Social development
If possible, arrange play dates with
children who will be in your child’s
Crocodile Creek
backpack, $275
from Bumps to Babes
class before schools starts. “Meeting
new classmates in advance, in a
familiar environment and with a parent
or caregiver present, has a positive
impact and helps with familiarisation.
If they already know some other faces
on their first day they will feel far more
relaxed and comfortable about going in
together,” Jane says.
Relationships are, after all, the key
to all successful, happy school experi-
ences, Julie concludes. Relationships
built on trust and authenticity between
parents, children, teachers, and peers
will ultimately equip young children with
the confidence and security they need
as they embark on this exciting chapter
in their lives.
Summer 2017
59