For first-time parents the first day of primary school can be both an exciting and anxious affair. The Royal Gazette spoke to Carmelita Smith, education officer, early childhood at the Department of Education about how parents can best prepare their children, and themselves, for those early days of primary school.

Ms Smith, herself a former P1 teacher, says transitions at any point in life can be difficult, as any adult who has changed jobs or moved house can attest.

"This is the same for students going to school for the first time," she advises. "It can be met with delight and excitement, or concern and terror. Children will settle and adjust if the parent shows excitement and has open conversations about this new experience."

She recommends keeping the dialogue open with your child over the summer by inviting them to share how they are feeling and being sure to listen to and answer any questions they have.

"Even if they have been in preschool, primary school will offer up a host of new experiences," Ms Smith points out. "You can discuss how they feel about starting school, why they have to go to school, that they'll be meeting new friends and learning and following new rules and directions."

Being prepared academically can also ease the transition into the new environment. Ms Smith says it is important to keep up your child's writing and reading as school approaches so that they feel confident when the lessons start.

"The number one thing you can do to get your child ready for school is to read to them each night for at least 15 minutes," she says. "You can also sing songs together, recite nursery rhymes and allow your child to use scissors and glue and other craft materials, as these are the types of things they'll being doing at school."

Another valuable way parents can help first time students is to practice the practical side of going to school — opening school bags and lunch boxes, showing them where everything is in their bags, buttoning pants, buckling belts — all things that can add to their confidence and sense of self-reliance.

There is, however, no need to over emphasise or stress out about any these things, including academics, rather it is a matter of making sure a good routine is in place when school starts.

In fact, summer is often a time when routines are relaxed. For instance bed times are extended to take advantage of longer daylight hours. However, as the school term approaches it will be important to re-establish normal schedules and ensure children are well rested.

Ms Smith says many new students will find primary school tiring, at least initially. There is the excitement of all the new experiences, children will not be asked to nap during the day, as they might have in preschool, and they will be actively learning throughout the day.

By the time school is one week away young students should be back to their regular schedule, and the night before school everyone should try and get a good night's sleep.

"When you get to the first day, ensure that your child has a good breakfast," says Ms Smith. "This will help them to concentrate and focus until recess time. Also make sure your child has fruit in their lunch box for recess time, this helps to refuel their brains until lunchtime."

School bags are also an area to focus on. Ms Smith says all belongings must be labelled with the child's name including clothing, lunch boxes and the school bag itself. It will be useful to have a Ziploc folder to keep homework, reading books and teacher notes protected.

Children should also have an apron, raincoat and extra water in their school bags. In the public school system children are provided with exercise books, pencils, crayons, and scissors. Sometimes it is a good idea for children to have small containers to house these materials inside their desk.

There are however some items that should not find their way into the school bag.

"Please encourage children to leave their toys and extra supplies such as pencils, crayons, glue and scissors at home in a container," Ms Smith reminds. "Set aside a spot in your house for homework to be completed so that you are not wasting time finding supplies. This will enhance their routine and provide consistency for your child."

So the now the big day has arrived, your child is rested, fed and packed — how on earth does a parent stay calm for the drop off and what can they do to support their child and assist the school in making a smooth entry in to the school system?

"As a classroom teacher I was always impressed with parents who put a family photo or a special note in their child's school bag," Ms Smith recalls from her days as a teacher. "Or when they cut the child's sandwich in a special shape showing the child that they love them and that they are with them.

"Most teachers would encourage parents to drop off their children and leave, and not hang around for a long time on the first day or week of school. Children must have time to settle and adjust. Parents often take time off work but they are discouraged from remaining at the school."

Ms Smith also says that children are often far more resilient than their parents and that there is really no need to call the school and check up on their children. The teachers are busy enough getting everyone settled into the classroom.

Every child is different and some settle straight away while others may take a couple of days or even weeks to feel totally comfortable.

"If after two weeks the child has still not settled, then I would suggest the parent talk to their child about school, inform the classroom teacher of their concerns and discuss these concerns with the school's counsellor," Ms Smith advises.

Once the school year starts and children settle Ms Smith says it is still very important for parents to stay interested and involved in their child's school life:

"Talk about things they did in school and show interest in everything they do. Do not hesitate to talk with the teacher if you have any concerns throughout the year but please do not stress out about academics too much. If you get your child ready for school by doing the things mentioned above the teachers can do the rest, with your help, once school starts."