Getting Ready for Nursery
GETTING DRESSED
Help your child to practise dressing and undressing at home. It sometimes helps to lay clothes out in the reverse order on their bedroom floor the night before. Make getting dressed a game, perhaps make a timing chart and ask them to beat their own record! Think about fastenings and buy clothes that are easy to do up. We always recommend velcro fastenings on shoes so the children quickly feel a sense of achievement when putting these on. We request that parents bring in a bag of spare clothes clearly labelled to allow for “accidents” and messy play situations.
RECOGNISING THEIR NAME
This is something we teach very early on to give your children a real sense of belonging in their new environment. We will of course show them where everything is and make them feel relaxed and at home.
GOING TO THE TOILET INDEPENDENTLY
The children in the nursery have their own toilets and they are just the right size for little children. They will need to be encouraged to flush the toilet, wash and dry their hands and to pull up their clothes. Nappy changing is done at least twice per day and as and when the little ones require it. We do ask parents/carers to provide a bag of nappies and wipes.
TAKING SHOES OFF AND ON
It really helps us if your child knows which foot goes in which shoe. Using an indelible pen to make inward facing arrows helps children to recognise which way round they should place their feet. Shoes should be easy to put on and take off. Velcro is best! Laces are for our older children. Please could the children have wellies ready for Outdoor Learning.
FOLLOW SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS
Try giving your child simple jobs to do around the house e.g. first get a spoon for everybody and then lay the table. Helping your child to be independent and helpful is a key social skill. It is important when they come to school they listen to their teacher and can follow instructions given to them.
TAKING TURNS
The children will mix with lots of other boys and girls when they come to Nursery. The reception year teaches them how to get along with their peers but it is useful for parents and carers to help their child learn rules such as those in a simple game, taking turns and learning that winning does not happen every time we play.