Olav Longva Davik (6) proudly shows off his school bag a few weeks before he starts first grade at Haramsøy School in Ålesund municipality. He is excited, but looking forward to it. Parents Egil Andreas Davik and Kari Longva Davik have good experiences from when older sister Astrid (9) started at school three years ago. – We hope it goes as well as with the older sister, says mother. The Longva Davik family has good experience with the start of school. The transition from kindergarten to school went very well for older sister Astrid (9). Photo: Stine Eilertsen / news Avoid thinking about blank sheets Monica Melby-Lervåg is a researcher and professor at the Department of Special Education at the University of Oslo. Monica Melby-Lervåg is professor and researcher at the Department of Education at the University of Oslo. Photo: Shane Colvin / University of Oslo She says that communication between parents, nursery school and school is important for a successful transition, and that information should be provided about the child’s previous challenges or needs when the child goes from nursery school to school. – Avoid the mindset that children should start school with completely blank slates. The family at Haramsøya know the teachers and parents at the school well. The parents believe it provides security for both them and the children. – We are in dialogue with the teacher if there is anything. We can send and give messages both ways, says Kari Longva Davik. You should know this before starting school If the child has needed extra support in the nursery, it is important to be aware of whether the school has the information they need about this, so that they can take it into account. Does anyone in the family have reading difficulties, math difficulties or the like? There may be reason to be a little extra aware, as such difficulties are often hereditary. Monitor the children’s well-being and be interested in what the child learns and does at school. Contact the school early if something is difficult. Be aware that, in accordance with the Education Act, the school must ensure that pupils in grades 1 to 4 who are at risk of falling behind in reading, writing or arithmetic must quickly be offered intensive training, so that the problem does not get the opportunity to develop further. To ensure that the child receives such early help if necessary, it makes sense to be in dialogue with the school about how the student is doing in, among other things, assessment tests. If there are serious concerns about aspects of the child’s development, discuss a referral to an educational psychological service with the school. Source: Monica Melby-Lervåg, professor and researcher at the Department of Education at the University of Oslo Help with reading instruction The professor also says that it is important to be aware that reading instruction at school starts quickly, and that there are several ways parents can help children on. This can be done by being interested in what they learn at school, which letters they have learned, and reading books to the children, explains Melby-Lervåg. – When the children receive reading training, reading aloud will often lead to conversations about letters and words, and the children trying to read words themselves. Working independently Before the start of school, Olav’s parents talked to him about what will be different at school. They train on getting dressed, searching for dobes and taking care of their school stuff. Melby-Lervåg believes it is wise for parents to prepare their children for a more independent everyday life. – The school makes greater demands on sitting quietly and receiving messages and information than the nursery does. Olav’s parents are not worried even though the first day of school is approaching. Photo: Stine Eilertsen / news Talk positively about the school Before long, Anita Myklebust Ulla will welcome Olav and the other first-graders at Haramsøy School. She has been a teacher for over thirty years, and in recent years has taken care of the youngest children. Ulla believes it is important that parents speak warmly about the school to their children. – Talk positively about the school and show an interest in what the children manage at school. Ulla explains that the school and the nursery have a partnership with trips and activities, and meet several times a year. This means that the children get to know the school before they start there themselves. Olav Longva Davik has been on several trips with the school, and already knows what he is looking forward to most about starting first grade. – Having a gym!
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The first day of school is approaching – this is how first-graders get the best transition from kindergarten to school – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
