Sending your child to Kindergarten can make both children and their parents a little anxious. Here are a few things that you can do to help ensure your children has a smooth transition. Celebrate this exciting time! It is normal for parents to feel anxious for their child to start Kindergarten, but remember this is an exciting milestone for your child. Take lots of pictures and cherish the moment!
Talk about school and what your child will be doing at school in a positive, enthusiastic way. A good way to do this is to read books about starting school. Discuss feelings your child may have about starting a new experience and validate their feelings. Walking by the school so your child knows where he/she will be going in September is also a great idea.
Routines and transitions are very important once school starts. This means creating a set bedtime and wake up time so that your child is well rested for the school day. A full school day can be long for a new student at first, so getting plenty of sleep is important. Setting other routines such as dressing for school, brushing their teeth and eating a good breakfast will also help your child to transition more easily.
Preparing your child for school is a big step in their independence. Help teach your child independence in toileting, dressing (zippers and buttons), opening their lunch containers, tidying up, putting on velcro running shoes and packing their backpacks. The educators are always there to help, but the more the children can do on their own, the more confident they will feel. Please note that your child will be responsible for independently wiping themselves after going to the bathroom.
Reading to your child is a wonderful way to help your child to grow intellectually and emotionally. Help your child get excited about reading by visiting the library or purchasing new books. Have your children follow along with the words on the page by moving his or her fingers across a sentence from left to right and also practice how to turn pages gently.
Allow your child the chance to have fun with markers, crayons and pencils. Some children come to school knowing how to write their name. This may be something you want to try over the summer. Practicing proper pencil grip is also a great place to start.
Socialization is very important at school. Allowing your child to learn how to get along with others helps when they start Kindergarten. Getting to know other children outside of your immediate family also helps students to learn what it is like to form new friendships.