Hi Guys, I hope you are all well!
So my little lady is starting school next week (where has the time gone???). While she is really excited, I am an emotional wreck. I can't believe my baby girl is starting school already. It feels like just yesterday I had a newborn, and now I'm labelling all her school uniform.
I wanted to share with you all the things we have been doing to prepare Aaliyah (and myself) for what I'm hoping will be a smooth transition into Reception Class.
This is our journey so far :)
Back in July (this year) we received a letter from Aaliyah's new school which contained a booklet for us to go through with her. Inside was all the information we needed to know about the school day, with pictures of her classroom, the play areas, her teacher, teaching assistant and head teacher along with a description of all the things they each liked to do - such as counting, playing outdoors, reading stories etc. It also included information about lunchtimes, the home time routine and regular activities in and around school. This was a really nice idea and it was really helpful learning what to expect ahead of time. Also enclosed with the letter was a bit of homework for Aaliyah to do, information on ready at home and a Parents Guide to Early Years, and what the children will be learning.
Meet the teacher:
At the end of July we were invited to a 'Stay and Play' session at the school. Aaliyah met her new teacher and saw her new classroom for the first time. We were also given a mini tour of the building. Aaliyah and 2 other children, who will be her classmates, got the opportunity to stay and play with the current reception class. The children were so helpful and kind. Aaliyah was a little shy to begin with, but it wasn't long before she was chatting away and having fun. At the end of the session we also got to meet the head teacher. The whole experience was great and it gave both of us a lot of reassurance.
The test-run:
Aaliyah's school is about 10mins drive away from her brothers' school. One morning after taking the boys to school I did a mock run to Aaliyah's school just to see what it was like and how the timings were going to work out, as I have to co-odinate getting all 3 of them to school and picking them up again. Luckily it's a straight forward drive and parking is not an issue (thank goodness!).
Shopping early for essentials:
I think it was late July when I bought Aaliyah's school shoes. I took her to Clarks to get measured and we chose a pair that looked comfortable, but also really cute. I know from past experience with the boys how crazy shoe shopping is the closer you get to September, so I took her in nice and early. The store was really quiet and the lady who served us was really helpful. I got her a slightly bigger size and the lady gave us insoles free of charge.
Shoes - Here
During the summer I also managed to get her school coat. I wasn't looking for a coat at the time but I was in Debenhams one day and they had some really nice coats in the girls section. Aaliyah was with me so I got her to try a few on. We settled for a navy coat - to match her uniform. I find that when I go shopping for a particular item I never see anything I like, so when I saw the coat that day I had to get it. Does that happen to anyone else? lol.
Coat - Here
At the beginning of the year I got her lunch bag. Again, not something I was looking for but we were in Toys R Us (before they closed down) and Aaliyah picked out a bag which was ideal for school. It came with a water bottle and all the little containers which are handy for sandwiches, fruit and snacks, and of course it has one of her favourite characters on the front of the bag - Poppy from Trolls.
Similar bag - Here
I'm really glad I've managed to get bits along the way as it meant I didn't have to get everything in one go at the end of summer. I've been able to spread the cost and tick things off the list in the run up to the start of term.
Also, I know this is not really an essential but it is important to note, I did have to buy Aaliyah new earrings. If you are a mum with little girls who have their ears pierced then be aware that some schools will state that earrings need to be removed for PE or covered with a plaster. Aaliyah's worn tiny hoop earrings (the one in the pictures above) for the past 2-3 years. They were her only pair of earrings, and I've never had a reason to change them, they are just perfect. However, they are not suitable for school so I got her some simple stud earrings. They are so tiny and discrete, and she's excited because she has new earrings :).
White Gold Hoop Earrings - Here
Similar Stud Earrings (plain) - Here
Similar Stud Earrings (crystal) - Here
Okay, so this is where I may have overdone it, but it's her first year so I just got everything! I'm guessing next year I will order a little less. I ordered all of the main uniform online from the company who supply the school, and I bought her white blouses from Marks and Spencer - along with socks and jogging bottoms for PE during the colder months.
Short sleeve blouse - Here
Long sleeve blouse - Here
Jogging bottoms - Here
Socks - Here
Labelling!:
Of course, after you've bought everything comes the fun job of putting your child's name on EVERY item... Every Mum (and Dad's) favourite part of all of this!!! (That was a joke BTW).
But what is the best way??? What method lasts the longest??? Do I Sew on, Stick on, Stamp on, Iron on????.....
It's actually amazing what a minefield this all was. I'm gonna be totally honest with you! Aaliyah is my third child, I have 2 teenage sons, and I have to admit.... I've never bothered to do this in the past lol. With the boys I'd write their names with a biro on the inside of their coats and blazers (the most expensive items) and that was it. But as Aaliyah is my last baby I wanted to have that experience (oh how I'm laughing just writing this). For years I've seen posts on social media from Mums talking about how long its taken them to sew on labels and I thought to myself 'WHY???'... and 'Isn't there an easier way?'. So here we are... I am now one of those Mums lol.
So my method of choice.... (Drum Roll please..) - Stick on!
While searching online I came across a company called Stikins. They had glowing reviews and the method seemed pretty hassle free so I thought I'd give them a try. Ordering was a breeze and delivery was really quick. I'm really happy so far. So I will let you guys know how they do through all the wear and washes.
Home Visit:
Aaliyah's teacher will be visiting us at home this week. This is such a nice gesture. I think meeting with the teacher one-on-one at home is a lovely idea. I remember when my eldest son started school, one of the lovely ladies who worked at the school came round to visit. It really does help to give the child reassurance, and reduces the nerves a little. It's good for them to know they have a grown-up they can talk to at school if they ever need help or if they are feeling upset. It will be nice for Aaliyah and her teacher to get to know each other a little before the start of school. We are looking forward to having her round and Aaliyah and I are planning on making cupcakes for her.
Indepence:
Aaliyah has always been head strong and independent, but sometimes I step in and do the thing she is trying to do on her own because I do it faster lol (oops!!! I know, I'm sorry). When I'm in a hurry it's so hard for me to watch my child take forever to put on 1 shoe and then wait for her to do the other one lol. You know the struggle! But I have been taking a step back and allowing her to do things on her own, with encouragement and lots of praise at the end. The other day we tried her uniform on and the shirts were a struggle to button up.... and I mean for me! Because they are new the button holes are really tight. I'm hoping that after a few washes they will loosen up and it will be easy for her to do by herself. She can get herself dressed, she puts her clothes away neatly and she always wants to help Mummy. She is an independent little lady.
Talking about school:
Her brothers have been talking to Aaliyah about what it was like when they started school and sharing funny stories. After their stories about losing their first tooth not long after starting school and the Tooth Fairy, Aaliyah is actually really excited and can't wait to do the same lol.
I think we've talked about school for so long now that she's just excited to get there and for it all to start. She's taking it all in her stride and she can't wait be a big girl going to school just like her brothers. She's actually been talking a lot about Halloween and decorations, I told her they might make stuff in school for Halloween and that her first half term will be around that time. I think she is ready now... The question is am I? lol.
Dress - Next
Shoes - River Island
Earrings - Beaverbrooks
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and If you have little ones starting school I hope everything goes smoothly and they have the most amazing time!
Lots of Love
Melinda xo
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Such a beautiful (and honest) post! Xx
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