Transitioning to Big School: A Guide for World Tower Families

The leap from the familiar, nurturing environment of World Tower Childcare to primary school is a monumental milestone. While our School Readiness Program works daily to equip your child with the tools they need, the transition is a team effort.

Here are our top tips to help your preschooler trade their cubby for a desk with confidence.

1. Master the Lunchbox Challenge In preschool, meals are often served or closely supervised. At big school, children need to manage their own food within a set timeframe.

• The Trial Run: Have a "Lunchbox Week" at home. Let your child practice opening their containers, unwrapping sandwiches, and peeling fruit.

• The Gear: Ensure their water bottle and lunchbox lids aren't too stiff. If they can’t open it at the kitchen table, they’ll struggle in the playground.

2. Focus on Self-Help Independence School teachers love a child who can manage their own belongings.

• Uniform Practice: Let them practice putting on their new uniform, including zipping up jackets and managing buttons.

• Shoes: If they haven't mastered laces yet, Velcro is a great option. Confidence comes from being able to put on your own shoes after sport.

• Toilet Independence: Ensure they are comfortable using a cubicle and washing their hands thoroughly without being prompted.

3. Build Emotional Resilience Moving from a small group to a large school yard can be overwhelming.

• Talk About Feelings: Use storybooks about starting school to spark conversations. Ask them what they are excited about and what they might be nervous about.

• Role Play: Practice how to ask a new friend to play: "Hi, I'm [Name], can I join in?"

• The Goodbye Ritual: Keep drop-offs short and positive. A confident "I’ll see you this afternoon!" helps them feel that school is a safe, happy place.

4. Align Your Routines The school day often starts earlier and is more structured than childcare.

• The Shift: Two weeks before school starts, gradually move bedtime and wake-up times to match the school schedule.

• The Route: Walk or drive past the new school frequently. Point out the gate where they will go in and the playground they will use.

5. Academic Foundations (The Fun Way) At World Tower, we focus on curiosity through play. You can continue this at home:

• Name Recognition: Help them recognise their name in print on their labels and bag.

• Incidental Math: Count the stairs as you walk or the items in the grocery basket.

• Read Daily: This is the single best way to prepare a child for literacy success.

A Note for Parents: It’s normal to feel a little "wobbly" yourself! Remember that every child settles at a different pace. Stay positive, keep the lines of communication open with their new teacher, and celebrate the small wins. We are so proud to see our World Tower graduates take this next big step!