Adjusting to Kindergarten
It takes about a month for your child to settle into the new school routines. You can help in the following ways:
1. Read to your child daily!! Research shows this is the #1 way to turn your child into a reader. Reading to your child builds vocabulary, comprehension, attention span, and interest in reading.
2. Encourage personal responsibility and independence at home.
3. Make a place for all school related items to go as soon as your child walks in the door. This will help alleviate early morning chaos.
4. Encourage your child to follow directions at home.
5. Encourage turn taking in conversations. Sometimes it is difficult to wait your turn when you have something to say. Encourage your child to listen as well as to share.
6. Make a solid effort to help your child learn to tie his/her shoes.
7. Stick to a regular bedtime. If your child is well rested, he/she will have a much happier day in Kindergarten.
8. Discuss bathroom procedures with your child. They need to do this independently at school. Stress the importance of hand washing after each trip to the bathroom.
9. Discuss friendships with your child. Talk about ways to make a new friend. Also discuss what it means to be a good friend and how to use kinds words. Your support at will reinforce what we learn in school. As well as give your child confidence.
10. Praise your child for coming to school and working hard each day!