Many parents often worry about their child’s ability to handle the academic demands of Primary School. It’s important to remember that every child learns at their own pace. Comparing your child to others can create unnecessary stress for both you and them. Primary 1 is about more than just academics. What can you do to help your child have a positive and successful start to their school experience?
Here are 3 tips to make the transition smooth for your child.

1. Ask for help
Asking for help teaches your child valuable problem-solving skills, including identifying when they need assistance and who can provide it. It also helps them develop self-advocacy skills, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and experiences in school.
Parents can role-play scenarios where their child can practice asking for help. For instance, if a child struggles to open their lunchbox, have them practice asking an adult or classmate for assistance. This helps them express their needs effectively and request support.
2. Set up a schedule
Your child will be spending more time in school, including following the school’s timetable during the morning hours. To help them adjust to this new routine, consider creating a visual schedule for the afternoon hours at home. This will provide a structured framework for rest, revision, and play before the day ends.
A sample visual schedule could look like this:
2 pm - 2.30 pm | Lunch |
2.30 pm - 3 pm | Shower |
3 pm - 4 pm | Nap |
4 pm - 4.30 pm | Snack |
4.30 pm - 5.30 pm | Revision |
5.30 pm - 6.30 pm | Play |
6.30 pm - 7 pm | Dinner |
7 pm - 7.30 pm | Shower |
7.30 pm - 8 pm | Story time |
8 pm | Bedtime |
3. Follow instructions
Help your child follow instructions effectively. When giving them tasks, break down complex instructions into two or three simpler steps to make them easier to understand and follow.
If your child struggles to follow instructions, try giving them one instruction at a time. Break down instructions into smaller parts: Instead of saying, “Go and get your lunchbox, put it in your bag, and wear your shoes,” say, “Get your lunchbox.” Once they’ve completed that, say, “Now put it in your bag,” and then, “OK, now wear your shoes.”
This approach ensures that your child can successfully complete each step before moving on to the next, increasing their chances of completing the task successfully.

Helping your child prepare for Primary 1 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By encouraging them to ask for help, setting up a structured schedule, and practising how to follow instructions, you can equip your little one with essential skills to confidently navigate this exciting new chapter.
For even more tips and strategies, join us for the Preschool Seminar 2025 on 17 and 18 March. This engaging event will connect you with experienced educators and provide practical insights to support your child’s learning journey.

DAS Preschool Programme Manager and Lead Educational Therapist
About the Author
Weng Yiyao is the Lead Educational Therapist and Preschool Programme Manager at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). With over a decade of experience, she specialises in supporting preschoolers with dyslexia through targeted literacy interventions. Passionate about empowering young learners, Yiyao is also a fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs.
Yiyao will be presenting at the pre-seminar session of the Preschool Seminar 2025, sharing proven strategies to build strong literacy foundations in young learners. Attendees will gain practical tips to support struggling preschoolers both at home and in the classroom, equipping them with essential skills for long-term literacy success.