One minute they're in diapers, the next they're off to primary school – many parents will know this feeling: the first day of school arrives suddenly, bringing with it many changes for the whole family. In Bremen, most school enrollment ceremonies will take place on August 27th this year. But what becomes more important in family life when your child starts school?
We highlight the most important topics for the new school life – whether this school year or next:
1) School supplies and the school cone: What do you really need?
Schoolbag, pencil case, pens, gym bag, water bottle, lunchbox, swimming gear, slippers… Before, or more often after, starting school, there's quite a list of things to buy. Not all parents have the financial means. It doesn't always have to be the most expensive schoolbag or the fancy brand-name lunchbox. In Bremen, the schoolbag campaign, families with low incomes.
Children's secondhand shops or neighborhood exchanges often offer the opportunity to find affordable and well-preserved equipment. It's also a good idea to ask grandparents or other relatives and friends to give specific items as gifts for birthdays or holidays.
You should only buy school supplies (pens, notebooks, etc.) once the school has provided a list. The Bremen Consumer Center has compiled some valuable tips on the topic of "school cones" (Schultüten).
2) The school enrollment ceremony: Is everyone there?!
Great-uncle Thomas, Grandma Aysun, Mom's best friend, Grandpa's new wife, and the neighbor's dog – or just a small gathering? How each family celebrates the first day of school is entirely up to them.
The best thing for parents to do is decide together with their child who should definitely be there and what's feasible. Whether it's brunch on the balcony or a big meal at a restaurant – the most important thing is a good atmosphere, and your child will hopefully remember a successful day for a long time.
3) The route to school: Take your time – and recognize dangers
Here too, the motto is: practice, practice, practice! Even at school age, children can't yet grasp everything, and the morning traffic unfortunately poses many risks. Nevertheless, the journey to school is part of a schoolchild's experience and an important step towards independence.
Accompany your child during the initial period! This way, you can point out dangers in traffic and practice the route with your child. Choose the safest route, not necessarily the shortest, and allow plenty of time. So-called "parent taxis" are rarely a sensible alternative. Only when children learn how to behave in traffic can they later navigate routes safely and independently.
"You can do it!" Trust your child's abilities and discuss traffic rules or potential disruptions with them. For longer distances or difficult traffic situations, decide yourself whether your child is ready to walk alone. As an interim solution, they can also meet up with classmates and walk to school together.
The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) and kindergesundheit-info.de
4) The alarm clock: School starts on time!
While daycare and preschool usually offer more flexible drop-off and pick-up times, school starts on time. A bell in the schoolyard signals that every minute counts. Talk to your child about the importance of being punctual, because the teacher and all the classmates want to start together – and that only works if everyone cooperates.
Children of primary school age need at least ten hours of sleep. Make sure your child doesn't go to bed too late so they can wake up refreshed and rested. You can find tips and information about sleep and sleep problems here.
Primary school – and now what?
also contains a wealth of helpful information brochure "From Kindergarten to Primary School," published by the Senator for Children and Education, It is available online in several languages (Easy Language; English, French, Russian, Bulgarian, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Persian). Parents will find information on topics such as school enrollment, school types, registration, reporting absences due to illness, and providing valuable tips for their child's primary school years.
Is your child starting school next year? Then you'll find all the information you need about starting school, such as choosing a school and registering.
And what if it doesn't work out so well...?!
Starting school is an important developmental step for your child! If you think your child is insecure, uncomfortable, or experiencing conflicts, talk to your child! Let them know that you are there for them and that they can confide in you if they have any worries. The class teacher is your first point of contact as a parent.
The Regional Counseling and Support Centers (ReBUZ) Bremen offer parents, among other things, free and confidential advice and diagnostics as well as support and assistance with all questions relating to school and topics such as learning development and socio-emotional development.
The specialists at the four ReBUZ locations in Bremen also offer advice on learning and concentration difficulties, school aversion and anxiety, conflicts with other students, or problems in cooperation with teachers. As a parent or guardian, you can submit a request for an initial consultation directly to the ReBUZ.
also educational counselling centers in the city of Bremen offer free, confidential advice and, if needed, in various languages on all personal or family matters, including uncertainties about parenting, problems at school, and parent-child conflicts.
We wish you as a mother or father, and especially your ABC child, a wonderful first day of school and an exciting time in first grade!
By the way: With us you will find many neighborhood-oriented leisure activities and events for school children, as well as everything related to the topic of "school children". For the school holidays, the Bremen Holiday Compass gives you an overview of reliably supervised holiday activities in Bremen and the surrounding area: Simply look here for suitable holiday programs, courses or events.
Barbara Peper works at the Bremen Family Network, where her responsibilities include public relations, online editorial work, and the Bremen Holiday Compass. She has spent a lot of time at parents' evenings, school festivals, and parent-teacher conferences and knows how exciting primary school can be – for the parents!