Enrolling in school is one of the most important milestones in a child's life. This period is full of excitement and challenges not only for children, but also for parents. That is why it is worth treating this process as a project in order to prepare for it in a structured and well-thought-out way.
School application is like a project
- Structured approach: Treating it as a project allows each step to be carefully planned and thought through. This will help you avoid rushing and stress.
- Goal-oriented tasks: A project has clear goals and milestones. Treating your school application as a project ensures that all important tasks are completed on time.
- Better time management: Project planning helps us manage our time better and complete all tasks at the right time.
- Joint family activity: Treating it as a project gives the family the opportunity to cooperate and work together to achieve goals, thereby strengthening family ties.
Preparation steps
- Information gathering: Let's start by thoroughly researching the schools that can be considered. Check school websites, attend open days and talk to other parents.
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- Example : "Let's read everything about the school's program and pedagogical methods."
- Setting goals: Determine what are the most important aspects when choosing a school. These could be teaching methods, the school's reputation, community programs or the school's distance.
- Example : "Let's decide that creative teaching methods are the most important for us."
- Make a schedule: Make a schedule that includes all important dates and deadlines, such as application deadlines, open days, and any entrance exams.
- Example : "Let's write the application deadline in the calendar and schedule the preparatory activities."
- Collect documents: Collect all the necessary documents, such as the child's birth certificate, vaccination certificates and previous academic results.
- Example : "We check that all necessary documents are present and easily accessible."
- Preparation for admission: If the school holds an entrance exam or interview, prepare your child for these. Let's practice example tasks with him and discuss possible questions.
- Example : "Let's practice math and language tasks with the child at home."
- Motivation and support: Provide adequate emotional support for our child. It is important for him to feel that we stand by him and encourage him.
- Example : "Talk to her about her feelings and encourage her to trust herself."
- Open Days and Visits: Attend school open days to get first-hand impressions of the institution and meet teachers and future classmates.
- Example : "Let's visit the open days of several schools so we can compare them."
- Preparation of application documents: Prepare the application forms and cover letters carefully and attentively. We check it several times to make sure it contains all the necessary information.
- Example : "Let's write the motivation letter and check that all data is correct on the application form."
- Submission and follow-up: Submit application documents on time and follow up on feedback. If necessary, contact the school secretary about the status of the application.
- Example : "Send the application by registered mail and call the school to confirm receipt."
- Handling admission results: Be prepared to receive admission results, whether positive or negative. Discuss the results with the child and develop a plan B, if necessary.
- Example : "Talk openly with the child about the results and encourage him even if he didn't get into the school of his first choice."
School application is an important milestone in a child's life. Treated as a project, we can carry out the process in a structured, thorough and calm manner, ensuring that our child is placed in the best place. Let's start preparing in time and support our children during this important period!
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How do we talk about this with our children?
Applying to school is an important milestone in every child's life. Whether it's primary school, high school or university, each stage brings new challenges and opportunities. In order for our children to prepare successfully and see the importance of the process, it is worth treating the school application as a project.
Primary school application
Conversation with small children (5-7 years):
- Simple explanation: "School is a place where you can learn many new things and make many new friends."
- Arousing interest: "There are many interesting games and activities waiting for you at school!"
- Change of routine: "Going from kindergarten to school is like starting a new adventure."
- Arguments:
- Children easily get used to the new routine.
- The school helps to develop social skills.
- School programs and activities are exciting and fun.
High school application
Conversation with elementary school children (10-14 years):
- Opportunities for development: "You can develop even more in high school and be better prepared for your future."
- Greater community: "You will meet many new friends and teachers who will help you."
- Personal Interest: "In high school, you can choose from several subjects and discover what really interests you."
- Arguments:
- Secondary school gives you the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge in various subjects.
- The new community expands the social network.
- It helps prepare for the challenges of adult life and further education.
Application to higher education
Conversation with teenagers (17-18 years):
- Career building: "The college/university helps you to be successful in your chosen career."
- Independence: "University life teaches you to be independent and helps you learn how to stand on your own feet."
- Personal Development: "At university you can learn a lot of new things that enrich your knowledge and personality."
- Arguments:
- The university opens the door to a professional career and a successful life.
- Learning to be independent is an important step towards becoming an adult.
- University studies provide deeper and more specialized knowledge.
The project mentality
In order for our children to successfully manage the school application process, it is important that they understand the essence of the project mentality. This includes planning, preparation and scheduling. But how do we discuss all this with children of different ages?
- With young children: Simple and visual explanations can help. Use colorful tables or calendars where we mark important dates together.
- With younger students: Explain to them that every big adventure requires planning. Let's compare the application process to an exciting project, where every step brings you closer to the goal.
- With teenagers: Talk openly about goals and steps. Use digital tools such as shared calendars or to-do lists to keep track of progress.
Introducing and discussing the project mentality with our children helps them understand the importance of preparation and approach the application process in a structured way. This not only reduces stress, but also increases the chances of success.
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