Starting Primary School is a huge milestone for the children, and for their parents! It can be a time filled with an abundance of mixed emotions - excitement, worry, happiness, loneliness, pride. Many parents wonder if they need to prepare their children for starting school, worrying that they don't colour enough, hold their pencil correctly or know numbers and the alphabet. However, school will help your child to learn all these skills, and more!
The Primary School Curriculum promotes the development of each child in a holistic manner. Here at Carrowholly we strive to create an environment that promotes each individual child, celebrates their differences, acknowledges their achievements and talents, and supports their development spiritually, academically, socially, physically and emotionally.
In school, your child will access the full curriculum. This includes Numeracy, Literacy, Physical Education, Music, Drama, Art, S.P.H.E (Social, Personal and Health Education), Religion and S.E.S.E (Geography, Science and History). At Carrowholly N.S., they will be encouraged to try extra curricular activities - playing chess, G.A.A, Irish dancing and music lessons for example.
To prepare for Primary School, there a few skills you can support your child with.
- Identifying their own lunchbox, school bag and coat.
- Putting on, and taking off their coat
- Opening and closing their lunchboxes
- Fine Motor play - playdoh, cutting, ripping paper, jigsaws, threading
- Read stories - any chance that you get! Don't underestimate the power of reading to your child.
- Play with your child - role play, hide and seek, I spy
- Talk to your child - about school, how much fun they will have, how they will learn, how many friends they will have etc.
- Ensure everything is labelled - clothes, lunch items etc.
Children feed off their parents' energy and emotions. Keep positive - it is going to be a wonderful and exciting time for your child, a huge milestone. Praise their confidence and promote their independence. Embrace this exciting step in your child's development and education.
We at Carrowholly would love to take an opportunity to showcase our school. There will be an Infant Induction day in spring, where parents and pupils can visit the school and meet with the staff. We would be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Alternatively, we welcome families to visit at their own convenience, and encourage you to make an appointment with our secretary Shona via email at: carrowhollyschool@gmail.com.
Here are a selection of some helpful advice and articles provided below.
