If your child is preparing for primary school in September, then here are 10 phrases you can teach them to ensure that they can communicate their needs.
Starting school is a big milestone, one that parents often prepare their children for months beforehand, if not more. No matter at what age your little one starts big school, you will worry about them; we just can’t help it!
We are used to being the ones to help them, comfort them and play with them, so them being in a new environment with a new adult caring for them and a whole new group of kids to get used to is quite daunting for everyone involved.
Even when you do all the things; ensure they can recognise their name when written, put on their own coat, manage a lunchbox and slide paper in and out of folders, the concern doesn’t end.
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What if they are too shy to ask to use the bathroom and have an accident? What if nobody wants to play with them? What if they are sad and lonely and there is nobody there to comfort them?
These are the questions that go around our heads in the run-up to the September start date and the initial weeks of junior infants.
A school social worker and mum of two has shared 10 phrases that parents can teach their children ahead of September.
Brittany Brady tells parents how to help prepare their kids for primary school, sharing advice and tips with her over 46,000 Instagram followers.
In a recent post, she told parents that one of the most important things they can practice with their children before they start school is communication. ‘I watched these simple phrases make a big difference in the classroom,’ she said.
10 phrases to teach your child before they start primary school
Here are the 10 phrases Brittany says parents should teach their children before they start primary school.
- Can you help me?
- Can I have a turn when you’re done?
- I need a break
- I don’t understand
- Can I play with you?
- I’m feeling frustrated
- Please stop, I don’t like that
- Can you show me again?
- I need some space
- I need to use the bathroom
Brittany advises parents not to use flashcards to learn and practice these phrases. Simply add them into play and daily life and they will master them in no time.
‘Practice them during playtime, at the park, during meals, or while you’re reading books together.’
