How I drink my coffee hot

Starting School: A brand new series for June

May 30

I know how it feels - your little one is about to start school for the first time and it seems like a momentous step, doesn’t it? Suddenly, you’re grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and questions. Will my child cope? Are they ready? Did we practise enough phonics, counting, or writing? I understand your worries and I’m here to reassure you - starting school is about so much more than just academic skills.

Starting School Series 1: Building Independence

Jun 6

Starting School Series 1: Building Independence

When each of my three children started school for the first time, one of the first things I did was to assess how independent they were when doing everyday tasks. When I say ‘assess’, I don’t actually mean that I followed them around with a clipboard, ticking off each skill. Instead, I simply made it my priority to observe them as they went about their day.

Starting School 2: Social-Emotional Readiness:

Jun 13

Starting School 2: Social-Emotional Readiness:

In this second instalment of our series, we’ll be focusing on a crucial aspect of school readiness: social-emotional skills. Navigating social situations, understanding and expressing emotions, and communicating effectively are all critical for a successful transition to school.

Starting School 3: Foundational Academic Skills

Jun 20

Starting School 3: Foundational Academic Skills

Do you remember the very first email where I talked about school starting age differing from country to country? It’s really important to keep that in mind when looking at the skills covered in this email. Ultimately, we’re using 5 as our average age for these skills to be developed.

Starting School 4: Your Readiness as a Parent

Jun 27

Starting School 4: Your Readiness as a Parent

The final phase of our series addresses a key aspect of school readiness that's often overlooked - your readiness as a parent. Preparing for your child's first foray into formal education involves much more than buying school supplies and organising transport. This email will explore the emotional and organisational adjustments that parents can expect to navigate during this transitional phase.