The first day of school can be stressful, and sometimes emotional, for parents and their children.
As children across the country gear up for the start of the new academic year tomorrow, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) provided some tips to ensure an easy start to the day.
- Ensure that your child arrives at school on time.
- Ensure that your child obtains exercise books and any other relevant books in the first week of school.
- Ensure that your child has adequate exercise and sleep.
- Check your child's exercise books regularly.
- Appreciate the importance of homework;
- Discuss your child's progress with the teacher (Your school should provide you with an assessment plan at the beginning of the year and a formal progress report at the end of each term).
- Ensure that your child attends school every day of the school year.
WCED spokesperson, Millicent Merton says it is important that parents also emotionally prepare their children for what's to come.
"Everybody needs to know what to expect when starting something new. Talk to your child and find out what s/he expects and what (they are) worried about," says Merton.
"Answer (their) questions and tell them school is a place where (they will) meet new people, make lots of friends and learn to read, write and calculate."
For parents who have not yet registered their child at a school, Merton suggests contacting their nearest district office to register the child's details so they can be placed "as quickly as possible."
She adds: "teaching begins on the first day of each term, ensure your child arrives on time.
"Learners are advised to work consistently and not leave tasks for the last minute. Pay careful attention in class to ensure that they understand the work; complete homework daily; and attend any extra lessons offered to them."