Ready for primary school? Some tips for an ideal start!

Do you remember your first day at school? What feelings rise up in you when you think back to it? Many people still remember this moment years later, because it is a big step for every child. A step on the way to growing up.

As parents, it is important to make this day and the transition from kindergarten to primary school as smooth as possible for your child. In our Tandem IMS kindergarten, children are trained in their social and academic skills at a young age so that after those two years they are ready for the challenges of the first grade of primary school. Self-awareness, confidence in their own abilities as well as a good academic foundation for reading and writing in both English and German are part of our curriculum.

But that is only one part when kids are starting school. As parents, you also have to prepare yourself mentally as well as organisationally for this new chapter. Many things should be considered and planned in advance so that the enrolment and the first day at school go as well as possible for both the child and the parents.

Setting up a workspace in the child's room, the school bag, the way to school, the new daily routine – there is a lot to think about. For your ideal preparation we put together a list of 8 helpful tips for starting school. With this in mind, nothing can go wrong.

8 tips for starting school

1. Stylish and functional – the school bag

It is used every day and contains all the important materials for the school day – the school bag. Most children focus on the design of the school bag while parents want it to be functional and of good quality. A good school backpack has to fulfil many criteria and nowadays there is a considerable selection of them. When buying a new school backpack, the children should always be present, try out many models and be actively involved in the decision. Good consultation is just as helpful as quality seals (for example bfu, the TÜV seal or norm stickers).

Children often have their own ideas about the design. Whether unicorns, cartoon characters or bright colours, the most important asset for parents should be reflective stripes because they are essential for maximum safety in road traffic.

The weight also plays a big role when choosing the right bag. A good school bag needs enough space for school and exercise books, but also drinks and snacks. So that the children do not have to search too much, it helps to have a good compartment layout as well as side pockets that can be closed. Concerning the weight it is especially important to have the children with you when buying the bag, so the fit is right and protects the children's backs.

2. It's all about the filling – the most important materials

Once you have chosen the school bag, you need to fill it. You may receive a list of the most important materials before the start of school, like the one teachers at Tandem IMS will send you. If possible, get all the necessary materials in advance so your child is ideally prepared. When buying, also keep an eye on the quality, because the pencil case, the fountain pen etc. will be used daily for several years. And if you get a water bottle make sure it does not leak ;-)

Regular gym lessons are now also part of your child's everyday life. Many gym bags are very small and do not have enough space for clothes and shoes. When buying for the first time, bear in mind that the shoes will get bigger over the years and the sports bag will also need a comfortable strap. Sportswear is usually necessary for both warm and cold seasons. Also check with your school whether two pairs of trainers are required – for indoor (light-coloured soles) and outdoor sports. Sometimes swimming lessons will also be held in addition to gymnastics class. Again it is important that swimwear, bath towel and perhaps swimming cap, goggles and bathing slippers are ready before the start of school.

3. Learning at home – a nice workplace in the child's room

School also marks the beginning of homework, projects and learning hours. Therefore, a quiet, tidy and functional place is needed in the child's room.

The ideal desk is height-adjustable and grows with your child, as does a comfortable desk chair. In addition, the desk should offer plenty of space and storage such as a shelf or drawers – those who are organised learn better! Everything should be organised with the child so that he or she always knows immediately where to find something. Colour coding can also be a good idea to get used to the new structures: All Math stuff is blue, English things red and so on. Together, think about a system that will also help to fill the school bag quickly in the evenings or mornings, so that nothing is forgotten for the respective subject.

4. A colourful school cone for the first day at school

The school cone for starting school is actually a German tradition, but more and more parents are also cultivating it in Switzerland. If you would like to adopt this tradition, surprise your child with a bag – homemade or bought – with their favourite theme or in their favourite colour.

But here, too, it's all about the filling, which is a big highlight for many children. You know your child best! Make sure there is a good mix of sweets and healthy snacks as well as small fun and useful materials like a funny eraser, a great fountain pen or a special bookmark of a comic hero, a football club or similar. It is especially fun for the children if each little gift is wrapped individually.

5. Discuss and establish new routines

When school starts, a new schedule for the whole family starts as well. Make sure to think about how you will organise your day as a family from now on.

This already starts with your morning routine – do all family members have to leave the house at the same time? How long does everyone need in the bathroom and who takes care of breakfast? Maybe make a schedule for yourself. A short test run in the week before the first day of school can also help to avoid being pressed for time. Also, think about whether your child will need to be brought to and picked up from school. Who will take care of rides, walks and after school care?

There is a new routine that has to settle in. Which family members are in an after school club or pursuing other hobbies? In addition, it is helpful if you introduce fixed times for homework and take this time for you as parents to support your child. In order to be perfectly prepared for the next school day, a good routine also includes packing the school bag, having snacks ready, choosing clothes and more. Plan what is possible and with time your daily routine will get better and better.

6. Practise the way to school before the first day

The excitement is particularly huge on the first day of school. Your child gets to know a completely new environment as well as many new children and adults. He or she will absorb an incredible number of impressions on this day. It is therefore even more important to prepare for some things in advance, such as the way to school. Whether your child walks alone from now on or you walk together, it helps to know the route, to practise it and also to choose the smoothest and safest way possible.

Traffic education usually already takes place in kindergarten – take this as a base and go through possible risks together. Are there any children in the neighbourhood who have the same route to school? Arrange small groups to have more fun together.

If your child comes to school by bus, certain rules should be clear: no pushing or shoving, calmly find your seat and always take care when getting on and off. The Tandem IMS school bus travels to Zurich stopping in various locations. Benefit from our offer – we will bring your children safely to school and home.

7. The first day of school – excitement and anticipation for everybody

Finally, the time has come and your child to experience their first day at school. An exciting moment for parents and children. If possible, plan a little more time so that there is no stress and nothing is forgotten. It is best to think about which documents are still needed the evening before. Pack the school bag with the necessary materials and prepare a tasty and healthy snack for the morning or afternoon break.

Parents are usually allowed to be present on the first day. Also at Tandem IMS we are happy to welcome the parents personally together with their children on the first day of school. Enjoy this special moment!

You should also plan a little more time after school, because your child has experienced so much that he or she certainly wants to tell you about. Ask specific questions about subjects, teachers and the feeling that this special experience has evoked in your child.

8. A new chapter – also for parents

Not only your child, but also you as parents should be well prepared for starting school. We offer information evenings for the parents of our Tandem IMS kindergarten children, where you can learn more about our primary school and the teachers. This is a great opportunity to establish contacts and ask questions in advance.

You can also look through the school calendar up front and write down special events, school closures, training days and more in your family calendar. This way you are already ideally prepared for the school year and upcoming appointments do not emerge unplanned.

On to a new adventure

Your children are now growing up a bit more. Give them more responsibility so that they gain self-confidence and self-assurance in themselves and their abilities. We support you with the start in our Primary School in Zurich. Our mission and our promise are to ensure that all students reach their full potential and thus starting into their future the best way possible.