Habits to Develop Before Entering Elementary School | 6 Points for Parents of Seniors to Start Now

“Only half a year left until elementary school... are they ready with their daily habits?” Many parents of seniors likely feel this anxiety. To ensure a smooth start to elementary school life, here are the basic habits you should start building now. Let's proceed with preparations step-by-step without rushing.

Why do daily habits lead to success in elementary school life?

Improved concentration for learning

A regular daily rhythm is directly linked to concentration during class and learning efficiency. Surveys by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology have also revealed that children who have acquired basic daily habits tend to have better academic performance.

Fostering confidence and independence

The sense of accomplishment from being able to do things for oneself increases adaptability to new environments. It becomes the foundation for your child to spend their time with confidence on the new stage of elementary school.

6 important points to start now

1. Establishing a rhythm of going to bed early and waking up early

Aim for an 8:00 PM bedtime and a 6:30 AM wake-up time, and adjust your rhythm gradually. Since arriving at school around 8:00 AM is standard in elementary school, you need to have enough time for morning preparations.

Tips for practice: A method of moving the bedtime 15 minutes earlier each week is effective. Sudden changes can cause stress for your child, so adjust the pace slowly.

2. Being able to get ready in the morning by oneself

Practice being able to change clothes, brush teeth, wash face, and comb hair on their own. Since there is also changing into gym clothes during breaks in elementary school, quick changing skills are important.

Support method: Creating a morning routine checklist and having a system where they can put a sticker when finished will help maintain your child's motivation.

3. Habits of acting with time in mind

Help them acquire habits of acting with time in mind, such as “eating breakfast in 10 minutes” or “finishing changing in 15 minutes.” Since elementary school has a schedule of 45-minute classes and 10-minute breaks, a sense of time is extremely important.

Practice ideas: Try using a kitchen timer to practice completing activities within the time limit like a game.

4. Habits of tidying up

Acquire the habit of returning things used to their original place and finishing preparations for tomorrow the day before. In elementary school, the number of items to manage, such as textbooks, notebooks, and pencil cases, will increase significantly.

Creating an environment: Start by setting up a dedicated study desk and a place for their school bag to clearly define “their own space.”

5. Table manners and time management

Finish meals within 20 minutes、correct chopstick holding、greetings like 'Itadakimasu' and 'Gochisosama' should be acquired. Elementary school lunch time is limited, and manners are also an important part of social skills.

Step-by-step practice：Starting with 30 minutes and gradually shortening the time is a recommended method.

6. Greetings and Communication Skills

Practice saying basic greetings like 'Good morning,' 'Thank you,' and 'Excuse me' while looking the other person in the eye. In elementary school, smooth communication with teachers and friends will greatly influence the quality of school life.

Practical opportunities：Actively incorporate greeting practice into daily life with neighbors, shop staff, delivery workers, etc.

Monthly! Enrollment Preparation Schedule

September: Creating a Basic Rhythm

• Establishing a habit of going to bed early and waking up early

• Starting practice for morning preparations

• Eating with an awareness of time

October: Increasing Independence

• Increasing things that can be done alone

• Strengthening the habit of tidying up

• Practice for preparing for the next day

November: Improving Social Skills

• Greeting practice

• How to interact with friends

• Practice for reporting and consulting with adults

December: Comprehensive Practice

• Living on the same schedule as elementary school

• Practicing how to handle trouble

• Practicing acting with confidence

Common stumbling blocks and how to deal with them

Don't strive for perfection

Children in their final year of preschool are still developing. It is important to proceed while respecting your child's pace, keeping in mind that '80% is good enough.'

Be specific about what you praise

Instead of just saying 'Good job,' praise specific actions, such as 'You brushed your teeth by yourself today' or 'You checked the time and acted accordingly,' so your child understands what they did well.

Turn failures into learning opportunities

Even if they forget something or are late, use it as an opportunity to think together about 'What should we do next time?' Problem-solving ability is also an important life skill.

Building good habits that last after enrollment

Entering elementary school is also a great chance to develop new living habits. Use the sense of being a 'big kid' now that they are in elementary school to motivate your child and establish long-lasting good habits.

The important thing is to work on it together as a parent and child. By having the whole family work on improving living habits, such as parents also trying hard to wake up early or keeping things tidy, your child's motivation will also increase.

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📞 TEL: 090-3310-7292
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