| Many parents can tell you that sometimes your child's | | | | and where everything is and will be less likely to be |
| first day of nursery school is harder on the parents | | | | apprehensive about the building and their surroundings. |
| than on the child himself or herself. | | | | There is usually some unstructured play time so that |
| There's the crying, the whining, the anxiety, the looking | | | | the children understand that nursery school is a fun |
| over the shoulder - and of course the child can get | | | | place for them to look forward to each day. |
| upset as well! | | | | Most nursery schools include some snacks or lunch |
| All kidding aside, knowing what you can expect on | | | | time and even a nap as well. If the parent is allowed to |
| your child's first day of nursery school can make this | | | | stay during this time, it makes for a good opportunity to |
| event much easier on both the parent and the child | | | | share an activity with the child as you both eat lunch or |
| alike. | | | | have a snack together. |
| Nursery schools know that this first day is difficult for | | | | Many nursery schools also have preparatory classes |
| both parents and children and are typically very | | | | for the children and parents where the parent spends |
| experienced in helping both through this transition time. | | | | an entire day with the child in the school, participating in |
| Usually the first day is meant to be something fun and | | | | or observing the activities of the children while nearby. |
| exciting rather than jumping right in to learning or other | | | | This gives the child a better chance to transition from |
| activities. | | | | being in the school with Mum or Dad to being there by |
| However, having some structure on this first day is | | | | himself or herself. The child is exposed to the materials |
| important because it will distract the children from the | | | | and toys in the school, becomes more comfortable |
| parents and keep their minds occupied so that they will | | | | with the teachers, and can get used to the routine of |
| be less likely to be concerned over the parent's | | | | this particular nursery school such as songs they will |
| absence. Many nursery schools play a videotape or | | | | sing or other activities they'll engage in. |
| appropriate television show so that the children have | | | | If your school offers this type of class or session, you |
| something to both look at and listen to. | | | | may want to fully consider taking advantage of it so |
| Most will also take the children on a full tour of the | | | | that the first day of nursery school is not difficult for |
| nursery school itself so that the children know what | | | | your child. |