What's on the first day of school agenda?
The first day of school can be very exciting but also a bit scary for parents and children so we wanted to help make your child's first day run smoothly. We've broken down what to expect on a typical first day at school, to help you and your little one feel confident and ready for their first day in Reception. Use these handy conversation starters to explore themes of the day with your child and watch the first episode of Time For School.
What is Time For School?
Time For School is a heartwarming documentary series that follows little ones as they start big school for the very first time. Watch as they make new friends, explore their classroom, learn exciting things, and have lots of fun along the way.
In episode one, join a group of children on their first day of school where they say goodbye to their grown-ups, meet their new teachers and start an exciting day.
What will happen in the morning?
Try and make the morning enjoyable while you're getting your child ready for school, talk about how smart they look and how exciting it will be to get to know their new teachers better, just like Silas getting ready to meet Mrs Collins and Mrs Farrell in the first episode.
After meeting their teachers they will have time to say hello to all of their new friends and classmates, settle down on the carpet or on a chair and get ready for the register. You could practice calling your child's name and make sure that they're ready to answer when their name is called.
What's happening in the classroom?
It'll soon be time for a bit of learning through play. There's lots to explore in a new classroom, from toys to learning and imaginative play with new friends.
Your child's classroom might have a 'home' area, or an 'art' area where they can practice their painting and drawing skills, or create amazing things with modelling clay to bring home and show you. Perhaps they will have an outdoor space to ride a tricycle, like Silas did in the first episode of Time For School?
Time for a break
Break time is a big part of school life and a time for the children to play together and have fun. At lunch time your child might have a packed lunch or school dinners, they will get the chance to sit with friends and enjoy their food. School dinners may give your child the opportunity to try something new, like lasagna or custard. Why not talk to your little one about their favourite foods and any new foods they would like to try.
It's nearly the end of the first day
A day at school can be tiring for your child, their afternoon activities might be similar to those in a Time For School episodes, with a creative drawing or crafting sessions, maybe they will draw a family portrait to show all their new classmates who they live with at home. You might even get some drawings to put on the fridge.
Wow, what a busy day they've had
As the end of the school day is nearing, teachers might have carpet time to reflect on everything they have done on their first day. This is a great exercise to get the children to talk openly and share their feelings. You could try this at home and ask your child questions about their day.
Before you know it's time to collect your child from the school gate. We hope they had a brilliant first day at school and you get to hear all about it.
Let's break it down ✏️ First day at school checklist 🍏
o Get dressed up smart
o Say goodbye to your grown up
o Meet your new teachers
o Make LOTS of friends
o Take the register, say good morning to everyone
o Have time to play and explore the class time!
o Practice cooking skills and modelling dough, race on the tricycles!
o Head back inside for lunch time, lasagne or sandwich?
o Pretend to be a cat, AND spot a pretend mouse!
o Decide if yoghurt is tasty or not… it is!
o Draw a family portrait of who lives with you in your house… Yourself, your mum, your pet cat (as a rabbit, because you can’t draw cats yet!)
o Try your hand at some hand printing!
o Settle in for carpet time to reflect on the day, what was your favourite thing? Playing with new friends and sitting with a teddy! Playing in the home corner and making cups of tea!
o Get ready to go home! Meet your parent at the gates
Time For School classroom rules
• Keep things tidy by picking things up
• Sharing! You have a little turn, then I have a little turn, then we both have a turn together. I eat a bit then you eat a bit, taking turns is a lovely way to share!
• Have respect for everybody. Look after people and be kind and gentle.
Looking for more Time For School fun and activities?
Prepare yourself for your first day by packing your school bag, can you find all of the things you'll need for school in this picture puzzle?
Watch episodes of Time For School and see how lots of other children spend their time at school.
Find out how Time For School can help your child's development in this article from Bitesize.
Find six exciting summery things to do with your child before it's Time For School!
Check out CBeebies Starting School collection full of fun tips and videos to help with daily routines, starting school inspiration and fun activities to help you feel prepared featuring Hey Duggee, Bluey and Bing.
You can find printable resources such as this cute memory book from Bluey and to help you feel in control and organised try this illustrated timetables and markers from Pablo.
