Get ready for primary school

5. Feeling important and caring for their own needs

You can help your children to understand how important they are at home with their family and out in the neighbourhood with their friends and relations.

Young children love to see pictures of themselves and hear about what they used to be like and the things they have learned, such as putting on their own shoes. Listening to stories about the people in their own family and the different things they have done - Help them feel proud of themselves, their family and community. Below are some ideas to help encourage them to be proud of who they are.

Babies (birth to 18m)

  • Show me photos of myself and family members and tell me all about them and why we are so important to you
  • Find activities we can go to together, such as Rhyme time
  • Help me to recognise our neighbours and encourage me to say ‘hello’ or ‘hi’
  • Take walks in the locality talking to me about everything we see such as a big bus, a noisy dog and a hungry duck

Toddlers (18m-3)

  • Play ‘house’ and talk about the food our family likes, how we cook and how we celebrate special events such as a wedding
  • Let me take my nappy or trainer pants from the box when I need to freshen up. Praise me for helping
  • Help me to learn about where I live. Tell me about the differences between different places
  • Talk to me about people in the community and what they do to help others – such as the doctor, fire fighter or postal worker

Pre-schoolers (3-5)

  • Talk to me about we wear different clothes on different occasions and why everybody can choose what they like to wear
  • Take me to visit places nearby such as the park or the shops – so that I learn about where we live
  • Encourage me when I try to do things for myself such as going to the toilet, putting on my own coat, putting things away
  • Find out about suitable community events to take me to, such as Chinese New Year celebrations or Pancake Day fun

Videos

We highly recomend visiting the Tiny Happy People BBC website, which includes videos and further information on the topics covered here and the subject of Getting Ready for School

Online Support

My First Day at School - A great game from the BBC KS1 support section to play with your child. Help your child create his/her character and pick a school jumper, then explore the school and find all the different activities to play.

Visit the BBC Bitesize website to access the game - My First Day at School