What alternative education options are available in New Zealand?
How do you choose the right daycare, kindy, or school for your child? And what are the benefits of alternative styles? Let's …
School days
A child's fifth birthday marks a huge milestone. For most of us it's when we take our first tentative steps into what will be years of formal education.
We've compiled a few tips that should make the transition to school as easy as
A-B-C
- Get your little one off on the right track by playing bingo with some simple basic words, and maths equations. Simply print off the downloadable PDF sheets, attach to cardboard, cut out and get playing!
- While you're in the crafty mood, use our tips to make a chart to help make the morning rush a little less chaotic.
- We have the OHbaby! team's top five books for children about to start school.
- A new entrant teacher with over 15 years experience gives us her list of things she wishes parents knew when their kids start school.
- Plus, advice on packing healthy lunches that actually get eaten!
Separation Anxiety: helping your child and yourself cope with school or daycare
The daunting challenge of separation anxiety is a hurdle faced by many parents and children as they step into the world of school or daycare. Here are strategies to aid both you and your child in coping with this demanding phase. For Your …
Ready, Set, School! How to prepare your child (and yourself) for daycare or kindergarten
The distant ring of the school bell echoes, stirring up excitement and nerves, not just for the kids but also for parents. Sending your child off to daycare, kindergarten, or school for the first time can be an exhilarating yet slightly overwhelming …
Tips to reduce stress and foster a positive school and daycare experience
Parenting can be demanding, especially when your child starts school or daycare. Balancing work, family, and the challenges of a new routine can be stressful. Here are some tips to reduce stress and foster a positive experience for both you and your …
Parenting partnerships: how to collaborate with teachers and caregivers
Collaboration between parents and Kaiako (teachers) or caregivers is crucial for your child's success in school or daycare. A robust partnership offers optimal support and fosters a conducive learning environment. Here's how to forge effective …
Making friends and learning: how to help your child thrive at school or daycare
Your little one is embarking on the journey to school or daycare, and you want them to flourish in this new space. It's not solely about mastering ABCs; it's also about cultivating friendships, bolstering confidence, and igniting a passion for …
Healthy habits, happy tamariki: a guide to routines and wellness in school and daycare
When it comes to school or daycare, establishing healthy routines and wellness practices is crucial for your child's overall well-being. These habits not only promote physical health but also contribute to their emotional and academic success. …
From crayons to confidence: how to boost your child's self-esteem in school and daycare
Fostering your child's self-esteem is a pivotal aspect of their journey through school or daycare. When tamariki feel confident, they are more inclined to tackle challenges, form friendships, and thrive academically. Here are some strategies to …
Back-to-School shopping: what you really need for daycare and kindergarten
Back-to-school shopping – a ritual that might lighten your wallet but fill your cart with supplies aplenty. However, before you go on a spree grabbing every shiny item, let's explore what's truly necessary for daycare or kindergarten in …
Homeschooling in New Zealand: one family shares their story
Kahu de Beer recently interviewed kiwi homeschool mama, Hannah Wanhill on what homeschooling looks like for their family and why they chose this path. KD: Tell us a little bit about your family. HW: We are a family of six. Our children are …
The benefits of Nature Education for children
Kahu de Beer chats to Nature Library founder, Kathy Broadhead about the benefits of time in nature for children and why it’s the best teacher of all. KD: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do… KB: My love of nature was nurtured from a …
Is your child really ready for school?
A school bag and matching pencil case are typical fifth birthday gifts, but should playtime really be over so soon? Miriam McCaleb suggests we reconsider some of our assumptions about starting school. What springs to mind when I mention 'school …
What teachers want parents to know
Starting school or childcare for the first time is a significant milestone for you and your child. Take comfort in the fact that your child's teacher knows that emotions will run high on these first days and potentially have even been there with …
Tips for helping your preschooler to read and write
Often when children start school, the three things parents want their child to be able to do is read, write and make friends. As a parent, your role in preparing your child to be able to do these things is a key element in how quickly and …
Building school-ready kids
Hannah Davison talks to three experts who share practical ideas for preparing your child for a confident start at school. Are you excited about going to school?” It’s a question we often ask. But, unless that child has an older sibling, they’ll …
How to: pack lunch like a pro
PAEDIATRIC DIETITIAN JENNIFER DOUGLAS SHOWS US HOW TO PACK LUNCH LIKE A PRO. This lunchbox guide has been amended for school age children only due to the Ministry of Health’s new food safety regulations for early childhood education centres. Talk …
What to buy for going to school
So, first of all...You've got this! Yes, it's a milestone, yes, your baby is going to school and yes, you're likely to cry - and that's okay! If you don't, that's okay too! One thing that will ease the load is being prepared for going to school, and …
Lunchboxes with Love Notes
Let your kiddo know that you're thinking of them during the day by dropping in a little love note in their lunchbox. We've created some here you can download and print out for free. And before you say it - yes, we realise many new entrants …
Tips for school bag shopping
Here are our tips for schoolbag shopping: Don't make it too big. New entrants are little tots and carrying around a bag that's nearly the same size as them may look cute for a start, but will get very tiring for them. If a bag is too heavy or too …
Off to school
Making the transition from daycare, preschool, or the home environment to school doesn't need to be stressful, explains deputy principal Deborah Barclay. The transition from preschool to primary school are some of the most significant steps your …
Back to school safety tips
Thousands of students march back to school each year and Safekids Aotearoa has valuable safety tips to keep your child(ren) safe. For children They’re safer in a booster seat till they’re 148cm tall. Primary school children seated in booster …
10 starting school tips from a mum
Former OHbaby! editor Ellie Gwilliam has sent all her three girls off to school, so we reckon she's something of an expert! Here she shares ten helpful things she did in preparation for Day One. (Well, some she did, and some she wished she'd done …
Fast food for back-to-school
Does the thought of filling your child's school or kindy lunchbox give you a headache? If you're a busy parent it can be a challenge to find the time to create healthy, interesting lunches that your child will actually eat. Here are some helpful …
Healthy lunchbox ideas!
You may find a great snack or sandwich idea only to discover that it comes home soggier than your dish cloth. "I wouldn't have eaten that either!" you say. So, here are some tips and tricks to help your kids eat a healthy, wholesome lunch while …
Think inside the toy box: boosting your child's learning potential
A digger that flies and shoots slime, a house with a waterslide in it, a dinosaur farm: when it comes to creating stuff, kids are expert 'outside the box' thinkers. Mum of five children and head of Child Forum, Dr Sarah Alexander, shares her tips on …
What to ask your child about school
Eight hours away from each other can be lonely (and not just for mum), but you need to control your enthusiasm at school pickup and try not to inundate your child with questions about their day the minute you see them. Remember a day at school is a …
Starting School 101
When your child's fifth birthday is looming, you'll be the one who needs to school up and educate yourself on the New Zealand education system. Most children start school shortly after they turn five, and all children must be enrolled by their sixth …
A lesson for parents
The first day of school is a big day for everyone, and can cover a whole gamut of emotion. It's scary, exciting, and nerve-wracking. And that's just for mum and dad! While it may be hard to say goodbye to your little one and hand them over …
Downloadable flashcards
Help your child get ready for the transition to school with this downloadable PDF game of High Frequency Word Bingo. Click here to download a game of bingo with High Frequency Words. Simply print, attach to cardboard …
Books for starting school
Here are our top five picks for books to read to children to help prepare them for their school days. Going to School, Usborne First Experience This book is part of a series that introduces young children to new experiences. It's a great …
