Important for starting school: five skills your child needs!

Important for starting school: five skills your child needs!

The transition from kindergarten to primary school is an exciting but also challenging adventure for many children. At this point, many questions often run through parents' heads: When will my child be ready for school? What skills should we look for? Mercury reports on the challenges children face during this phase and highlights the importance of certain everyday skills.

In their statements, Karina Jehniche, the headmaster of the Christian-Morgenstern primary school in Berlin-Spandau, and Hilal Ebcin, a teacher and special education teacher, attach great importance to practical skills that children should master when they start school. This includes basic things such as going to the toilet independently, hygiene basics such as washing hands before eating, preparing simple meals or even organizing everyday school life, for example packing your school bag.

Important everyday skills

These skills not only promote self-confidence but also independence in children. Ebcin specifically names five important skills for school children:

• Selbstständiges Toilettengehen, einschließlich Tür abschließen, abwischen und Hände waschen.
• Hygiene-Basics wie Hände waschen vor dem Essen und Nase putzen.
• Zubereiten einfacher Mahlzeiten, wie z.B. Brot schmieren oder Trinkflasche öffnen.
• Organisation: Schulranzen packen, Jacke aufhängen, Hausschuhe richtig platzieren.
• Selbstständiges Anziehen, z.B. Schuhe anziehen.

All of these points clearly show that the transition between kindergarten and primary school represents a profound change in a child's life. It is not only a change in the learning environment, but also an emotional journey in which children are confronted with new expectations, fears and challenges. Pro-Kita emphasizes that the relationship with educators and teachers also plays a crucial role.

The role of educators and parents

The kindergarten teachers have the task of specifically preparing the children for this change. They play an essential role in reducing fears and promoting school readiness. This includes offering children opportunities to strengthen their self-esteem, learn positive social behavior and actively deal with it.

A few simple but effective measures here include trips to elementary school, making school cones or practicing walking to school. These activities help children to become familiar with the idea of ​​soon being schoolchildren. Educator training emphasizes that not only the academic aspects, but also the personal development of the children are crucial during this transition.

Clean communication between parents, kindergarten and elementary school is the be-all and end-all. Information events to prepare for the transition are an excellent way to eliminate uncertainties among parents and introduce them to their new role.

Outlook on the school years

However, it is also important to note that one in five schoolchildren suffers from school anxiety, which can manifest itself in social withdrawal or psychosomatic symptoms. In view of this, it is necessary that parents and specialists work closely together to identify possible problems at an early stage and take countermeasures.

Overall, it shows that good support during the transition not only strengthens the children, but also relieves their parents. Ultimately, everyone involved benefits from a successful start to school.