Going into Grade 1 may be harder for parents than kids

Stepping into Grade 1 is like graduating into the big league of childhood.

- Hein Kaiser

Many children taste independence for the first time when "big school" becomes their reality. At the same time, parents are often more stressed out than their offspring about taking the leap.

The biggest question parents often ask themselves is whether their child is ready for that step.

Carly Niewenhuizen, principal of Ridgewood College Pre-Preparatory School in Benoni, said that while it feels daunting, the transition between prep school and "big school" is often smoother than parents expect.

"One of the biggest differences is the change from play-based learning into a structured day," she said. "In pre-primary the lessons are short and broken up with play."

In Grade 1, she said, children sit for longer, focus more and manage classwork and homework. "Wearing a school uniform also adds to the sense of formality and responsibility. For most pupils this is exciting. They feel grown up and proud to be part of the big school."