School management tools make life easier for school administrators, teachers, students, and parents. From handling student enrolments to attendance, class scheduling, reporting, and communications, a premium school management system is imperative for the seamless operation of a school.
Enrolment is the first step most parents will take in the educational life of their child. In Texas for example, children must be aged five years by September 1st of the target entry year for kindergarten. There are provisions for exemption by Texas law for earlier entry based on an assessment of their abilities and maturity. Children must have started school at age six.
The question that faces all parents is: “Is my child ready for school?”
There are some definite signs your son or daughter is ready to commence their school life.
These include:
- Your child uses the bathroom independently, knowing in advance when they need to go, and managing all aspects of it themselves, including wiping and washing hands.
- Your child follows simple directions—Not all children behave well all of the time. A child who can listen to a teacher, follow instructions, complete simple tasks and concentrate on a single task for a short period, and has good listening and speaking skills for their age may be ready for school.
- Your child can make and follow through on an independent decision and has ideas of their own.
- Your child will sit still for short periods – for example, to listen to a short story or cooperatively participate in class activities. They can also easily move onto new activities when instructed to do so.
- Your child gets along with their peers, knowing how to take turns and share.
- Your child can understand their emotions—knowing their feelings and having basic coping strategies. All children will get upset at times, but being able to manage their emotions overall is important for school readiness. A school-ready child will be able to recognize their feelings and needs and express them accordingly.
- Your child can recognize some letters and numbers—Not all kids will be able to recognize and write their letters when they start school, but it’s great of they can at least write their own name and recognize some numbers and letters.
- Your child is working on gross and fine motor skills—balancing, throwing and catching, picking up small items, using scissors, using a pencil, holding a knife and fork, running and stopping, jumping and hopping.
- Your child is interested in learning—A school-ready child asks questions, likes to have stories read to them, likes music and books, and is excited about going to school.
- Your child can separate from you or their primary carer for the school day.
How can you help your child be ready for school? Here are some basic points to push them toward the big day.
- Read with them
- Play with numbers and letters
- Teach them rhymes and songs
- Provide opportunities for them to play with other children
- Take them to fun, educational places like the zoo or museum.
Not all children are ready to start school at the same age. The ideal time for some to start school is age four and a half; others will be closer to their sixth birthday before they are ready. Academic ability, emotional maturity, level of interest, and other factors all play a part in the difference between a child who will struggle from the outset, and one who will thrive.
