Preparing first timers for school can be fun and exciting when done lovingly, with a lot of care and thought.
The Minister for Education, Mr Filipe Bole reminded parents and guardians of how to prepare children entering the classroom for the first time.
“It is our duty as parents and guardians to ‘warm up’ the six-year-old child for the first day of school,” Mr Bole said.
“Tell them that schools are places where they will meet new friends, who they will play with learn and eat together. Tell them the teacher is their best friend who they can relate anything to.
“Tell them the school is a discovery place and that they should feel free to ask questions. Moreover, tell them that the school is a peaceful place,” added the minister.
Once little children are told the ‘positives’ of schools and learning, they will no doubt be eager to get into school and enjoy learning.
“Stay away from the threats and warnings that schools are fearful places and that teachers will hound them up for any misdemeanor,” Mr Bole said.
“Such attitudes will create in children a dislike and negative attitude for learning and schools.
“For children who have attended kindergartens, the classroom is a familiar place and convincing them to go to school will not be too hard.”
Schools will be open for term one on Monday, January 24.
-End-