FROM PRESCHOOL TO PRIMARY: HELPING YOUR 1ST GRADER TRANSITION SUCCESSFULLY

During the December holidays, parents and guardians of 2025’s Grade Ones have a monumental milestone to look forward to – that of their child going to big school for the first time! In the coming weeks, before the school doors open in January, parents have a valuable opportunity to ensure children start their academic journey on a positive and strong footing, an education expert says.

“Transitioning from preschool to the more formal primary school setting is a significant milestone for both children and their parents. This change can bring about feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, but with intentional preparation, parents can help their children embark on this new educational journey with confidence,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider.

Hugo says it is important to set a positive tone in the coming weeks, to help students prepare emotionally so that they can embark on their new chapter with the right mindset, ready to enjoy their academic journey from the start. “There will be lots of excitement around the practical preparations such as selecting school uniforms, gathering supplies, and getting to grips with new routines next year. But in addition to the logistical aspects, parents can also smooth the transition to help their child navigate the new environment. To that end, parents can start practising the mindset for success right away,” she says.

Manage expectations

As parents, it is important to manage our expectations, says Hugo. “Allow your child to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than pushing for achievement and perfect outcomes at all costs. In the next few weeks, help your child develop independence and confidence by taking small steps towards self-care, such as dressing themselves and organising their belongings. Celebrating efforts, even when they fall short of perfection, fosters resilience – both at home and at school.”

Foster perseverance

Young children may feel frustrated when they struggle with tasks. It’s essential to teach them the value of persistence and the importance of continuing to try despite difficulties. “Instead of immediately stepping in to resolve issues, parents should offer guidance and encouragement, to help their child build confidence in their own abilities.”

Promote positive play

Starting Junior school marks a crucial social development phase where children learn to engage meaningfully with peers. Parents should encourage kindness and inclusivity among their children, which are vital for emotional growth and confidence.

“It can be tough out there for children as they start encountering challenging situations and peers. These early years start marking the time where parents can’t just always step in and remedy the situation, and where students need to start understanding how to navigate challenges themselves. To build conflict-resolution muscles, roleplaying various scenarios with toys or games that involve taking turns and dealing with frustrations can help children practise social skills necessary for making friends and resolving conflicts,” Hugo says.

Encourage curiosity

A natural curiosity about the world is fundamental for learning. “Parents should nurture this by engaging in conversations about their surroundings during outings, ask questions of your child, do not just supply answers. Research indicates that children benefit significantly from interactive discussions where both parties question, listen and respond thoughtfully. “Encouraging reading and exploring topics together can further enhance this curiosity.”

Develop healthy routines to build resilience

While there is little to no homework in the early years, parents should put aside some time every day to focus on the day’s activities, by talking over what was done in school during the day and reading together. “Young children will start getting into a natural routine of building upon what they’ve learned. By making this a fun and enjoyable experience, and a positive family interaction, they will start to associate learning with empowerment, which will pay dividends down the line when the workload does start to grow.”

In addition to setting up a daily ‘connection’ routine with positive associations right from the start, parents should also help their children build the skills which will be required from them later in their school careers. “Children need a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and exercise. Unhealthy habits and routines can quickly start to show in a child’s general disposition and academic engagement, so establishing good habits – including limiting screentime – is key.

“By fostering connection time, parents will build trusting relationships with their children, so that when something may be troubling them, they reach out to their parents as their first line of support and care.”