Preparing for Primary 1: Four myths debunked

SINGAPORE – Getting a child ready for primary school is a milestone, especially for first-time parents.

Well-meaning mums and dads may want to cover all bases by sending their child for Primary 1 preparation classes.

While it may be tempting to ensure a child is ready in every way possible, educators share why it is not necessary to over-prepare him academically as it may kill his curiosity and keenness for learning.

Myth 1: I need to send my child for Primary 1 preparation classes or buy him assessment books

A common pitfall is over-preparing a child academically for Primary 1, says Mrs Sharon Siew, principal of Jing Shan Primary School. She has 33 years of experience in education, including 17 years as a principal.

Overwhelming a child with academic enrichment classes may be counterproductive, she says.

“Parents may be robbing their child of the joy of learning new things together with his classmates. Without the anticipation and excitement of discovery, learning may become a bore and a chore to your child, which may be detrimental for his overall growth,” she adds.

Instead, Mrs Siew says a key in the transition from pre-school to Primary 1 is for parents to have realistic expectations and to prioritise their child’s holistic development.

She notes that there may be children who need more support to get ready for primary school. For instance, they may need more guidance and time to write their own name, count accurately up to 10 or recognise some letters of the alphabet.

Parents can reinforce these skills, which have been taught in the child’s pre-school, by providing opportunities to practise at home, she suggests.

Dr Mercy Karuniah Jesuvadian, a senior lecturer in psychology and child and human development from the National Institute of Education, agrees. She says it is not very critical to write in full sentences when children begin school.

Myth 2: As long as my child is prepared academically, he is ready

Aside from academic readiness, a child may adjust better to primary school if his parents also focus on developing his socio-emotional skills, say educators.

The centre head of MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale, Madam Nur Hidayah Jamari, says parents can nurture skills that encourage resilience and adaptability, which are fundamental for a positive learning experience in primary school.

What parents can try:

1. Teach your child to recognise and understand his feelings

This would help him to better express and manage his emotions and behaviour.

Madam Hidayah suggests that parents talk to their child about his feelings and validate his emotions about going to Primary 1.

To reassure a child, parents could practise scenarios he might face, such as making new friends. “This can make transitioning to a larger, unfamiliar school environment feel less daunting,” she says.

2. Build confidence and relationships

Building confidence is crucial for children to engage effectively with their classmates, says Madam Hidayah.

“Create opportunities for your child to interact with others through group play, allowing him to practise sharing, taking turns and working as part of a team,” she adds.

3. Teach your child how and when to seek help

Knowing how and when to ask for help is vital. Parents can teach their child to seek help from trusted adults, such as teachers, if he feels uncertain, advises Madam Hidayah.

“Practising using phrases like ‘I need help with this’ or ‘Can you show me how to’ at home can help children feel empowered to seek support,” she says.

4. Teach your child to be independent

While a child should seek help when needed, he should be able to do simple tasks himself, such as tying his shoelaces, says Mrs Siew.

Encourage a child to try tasks, such as picking out clothes or packing school items. This helps to foster confidence and self-reliance.

Mrs Siew says parents should resist the urge to step in. “If your child struggles to button his shirt, offer encouragement and show him the steps instead of taking over and saying things like ‘Why can’t you do a simple thing like this?’”

5. Nurture courtesy and respect in your child

Good manners like greeting “good morning” and saying “please” and “thank you”, as well as treating everyone with kindness, are basic seeds that can sprout into great social skills, says Mrs Siew, adding that these seeds are planted at home.

“Your child will soak up your behaviour like a sponge,” she says.

Parents can give examples of what courtesy and respect look like in classroom situations, such as taking turns to speak.

She encourages parents to discuss how to be respectful of differences, for instance, when interacting with classmates who have a different interest or hobby. Parents can express awe at these differences and encourage their child to pose curious questions respectfully.

6. Practise listening and waiting

Children need to listen carefully to get work done. One way to encourage this habit is to get a child to listen and rephrase what is said. It can be related to a story being read, for instance, says Dr Jesuvadian.

Children rarely like to wait, but primary school requires them to wait their turn to speak or wait in line to buy food.

Parents can remind their child to practise taking turns. This also applies if a child tends to interrupt – teach him to wait for his turn politely, she says.

7. Create time for sharing

Parents can dedicate time daily for their child to share about his concerns. This will not only build a strong parent-child relationship, but also enables the child to share more about his peers and teachers.

“If you have not been doing this consistently, then start in December. This kind of communication lessens children’s fears and anxieties,” says Dr Jesuvadian.

Myth 3: My child is anxious about starting primary school. I should just tell him not to worry

When a child says he is worried, try not to dismiss that worry by saying all will be well, advises Dr Jesuvadian.

Instead, ask him about his worries – is it a perceived fear of teachers or concern that he cannot make new friends?

“Find out what is causing the anxiety, then work together to see how you can be of help,” she adds.

What parents can try:

Parents can take a child to the school for a look around. When children are familiar with the physical space, the anxiety lessens, she says.

Another way is to involve him in buying books and uniforms.

While in the school, parents can point out key features such as the general office, bookshop and library.

Myth 4: I don’t need to prepare my child. His pre-school will do it

Madam Hidayah says the MOE Kindergarten pupils have opportunities to explore primary school life during the fourth term in Kindergarten 2.

As the kindergartens are situated within primary schools, joint activities are often carried out to allow pupils to interact with their primary-school peers.

She notes that while pre-schools do their part in preparing children for Primary 1, it is important that parents are involved.

What parents can try:

Establish consistent routines for your child to create a sense of predictability that helps him stay focused and better regulate his emotions and behaviours, she advises.

Dr Jesuvadian says parents can discuss with their child how a primary school schedule may look different from one in pre-school.

“This is important even if the pre-school has been preparing him,” she says.

Parents can share routines, like how a child has to put up his hand to talk or ask the teacher for permission to use the toilet before leaving the classroom.

“Primary school will be a very different kettle of fish. Let your child know to expect some differences and let him know that you are practising the new behaviours, so he will be okay at school,” she says.

• This is the first of a two-parter on getting your child ready for Primary 1. Look out for the second part in January.