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A Guide for First-Time School Parents With the first term of the year now well underway, families with school-going children are settling into routines. For many, this includes preparing little ones for their very first day of school, a milestone that brings excitement and perhaps a touch of nervousness. Starting school is a significant chapter not only for children but also for parents who are navigating this journey for the first time. From choosing the right school to managing separation anxiety and building new routines, the experience can feel both rewarding and daunting. This guide is designed to provide practical points and reassurance, helping first-time school parents make the most of this transformative time. Preparing for the First Day of School Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth start to the school year. Begin by establishing a routine that aligns with the school schedule a few weeks before the term begins. This includes waking up at the same time, practising getting ready, and having breakfast together. Shopping for school stationery is another important task. Involve your child in picking out their school bag, stationery, and uniform. This can help create a sense of excitement and ownership over the process. Familiarise your child with the school environment before their first day. Many schools offer orientation sessions or open days. If this is an option, make sure to attend. Walking around the campus and meeting some of the staff can help reduce first-day nerves (Department of Basic Education, 2023). Choosing the Right School Selecting a school is one of the most crucial decisions parents make. Factors to consider include the school’s curriculum, location, fees, and extracurricular offerings. Visit the schools you’re considering to observe the environment and meet the teaching staff. Talk to other parents in your community for recommendations. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into a school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Remember to involve your child in the decision-making process, especially if they are old enough to articulate their preferences. Understanding School Communication Channels Effective communication is essential for staying informed about your child’s progress and school activities. Familiarise yourself with the school’s communication tools, whether they use newsletters, emails, or dedicated apps. For example, Crawford International uses the Toddle platform to facilitate seamless communication between parents and teachers. Parents can instantly share concerns, track academic progress, or even discuss issues requiring immediate attention. Open communication ensures you remain an active participant in your child’s education. Helping Your Child Adjust The transition to school can be challenging, especially for younger children. Encourage open conversations about their feelings and reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Reading books about starting school or sharing your own positive school memories can help your child develop a more optimistic outlook. Gradually increase their independence at home by assigning small tasks, such as packing their school bag or setting the table. If possible, arrange playdates with classmates before school starts. Building friendships early on can ease the transition and give your child familiar faces to look forward to seeing. Balancing Schoolwork and After-School Activities While academics are important, extracurricular programmes offer children a chance to explore their interests and develop new skills. Whether it’s sports, music, or coding classes, these activities provide a well-rounded experience. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Overscheduling can lead to fatigue and stress. Aim for a manageable routine that allows your child to enjoy after-school activities without compromising on homework or relaxation time. Create a weekly calendar to plan your child’s schedule. This not only helps with time management but also ensures you can monitor their workload and adjust when necessary. Building a Homework Routine Homework can become a source of stress if not managed well. Establish a designated homework area in your home that is quiet and free from distractions. Set a consistent time for homework each day, and ensure all necessary supplies are easily accessible. While it’s important to supervise, avoid completing tasks for your child. Instead, offer guidance and encourage problem-solving. Praise their efforts rather than just the outcomes to build confidence and resilience. Getting Involved in the School Community Active participation in the school community strengthens your connection with the institution and provides opportunities to support your child’s education. Attend parent-teacher meetings, volunteer for school events, or join the parent association if one exists. Engaging with other parents can also create a support network where you can share advice and experiences. Schools often host social events or workshops, which are great for meeting other families and feeling more integrated into the community. The journey of sending your child to school for the first time is filled with opportunities for growth for both you and your child. With thoughtful preparation and open communication, the transition can be a positive and enriching experience. Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but it also sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Crawford International Celebrates the Matric Class of 2024 Crawford International proudly announces the exceptional performance of its Matric Class of 2024. Across all campuses, students collectively achieved 1527 distinctions, with an impressive average of 2.81 distinctions per candidate, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.  Crawford Sandton emerged as the top-performing campus, achieving 504 distinctions with an average of 4.27 distinctions per candidate. This success reflects the dedication of students and teachers and the strength of Crawford’s academic programmes. Tracey Purkiss, Principal of Crawford Sandton College, praised the achievements of this year’s matriculants; "the Class of 2024 has demonstrated a true Crawfordian spirit in their approach to their final year. Their achievements reflect their hard work and commitment, and we are incredibly proud of their success. I look forward to the positive contributions they will make as global leaders."

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The Importance of Phonemic Awareness in Early Childhood Development Phonemic awareness is a critical skill in the early stages of a child's educational journey, playing a pivotal role in the development of reading abilities. It refers to the understanding that spoken words are composed of individual sounds, known as phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in a language (Smith & Johnson, 2020). This foundational skill enables children to manipulate phonemes to form words, setting the groundwork for spelling and reading. The development of phonemic awareness is essential because it directly correlates with a child's ability to read and spell accurately (Brown, 2021). Studies have shown that children who develop strong phonemic awareness are more likely to become proficient readers and excel academically in subsequent years. It aids in decoding new words, a critical skill in reading fluency and comprehension. The most crucial period for developing phonemic awareness is during Early Childhood Development (ECD), particularly between the ages of three and five. This phase is significant as the plasticity of the young brain during these early years makes it ideally suited for absorbing new sounds and language patterns (White & Thompson, 2020). Effective phonemic awareness training should be incorporated into ECD programmes to maximise developmental benefits and lay a strong foundation for future reading skills. Incorporating activities such as rhyming, segmenting, and blending sounds should be part of daily learning experiences. These activities not only enhance phonemic skills but also engage children in enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences that promote a love for reading and learning. The development of phonemic awareness is a cornerstone of early childhood education that supports the broader academic and social success of students. By nurturing these skills at a young age, we equip our students with the tools necessary for lifelong learning and success.

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