PDF
Starting kindergarten can be an anxious or an exciting experience for children. They enter an unfamiliar environment and spend time with strangers, but they also make new friends, meet new teachers, and learn new skills. Getting off to a good start is important! If kindergarten is a good experience, children tend to continue to do well in school.
Talk about the kindergarten program before the first day of school.
Talk with your child about kindergarten before the big day. Find out what they think kindergarten will be like. Be prepared to answer questions: What will the start of the day be like? What will the end of the day be like? Where will I eat lunch and play?
Visit the kindergarten classroom.
If possible, visit the classroom during the school term before your child starts. Preschool classrooms may visit as a group. Kindergarten programs may host group tours, open houses, or meet the teacher events. Attend as many of these as you can. On a visit, talk with the teacher and walk around inside the school. Visit the playground, the lunchroom, and the bathrooms. Seeing these places and people can help to ease some of the concerns your child might have.
Let your child know it’s OK to feel anxious.
If your child is hesitant about starting kindergarten, let them know that you, or an older sibling or friend, felt the same way. Reassure your child that they will get used to it very soon.
Be sure your child is well rested and well fed.
Kindergarten is usually more tiring for children than preschool. Your child will be better able to meet the full schedule of kindergarten if they are well rested and have had a good breakfast. When children start school, regular bedtimes and mealtimes are more important than ever.
Help your child develop a sense of responsibility.
During the school years, your child can begin taking responsibility for getting personal belongings, like a backpack and lunchbox, ready for school. Your child can complete schoolwork and classroom jobs. They can relay information and notes from school. As much as possible, let your child perform these important tasks independently, starting in kindergarten. Doing so will help them feel capable and learn to be responsible.
Stay involved and engaged with your child’s school.
Showing interest in your child’s kindergarten experience lets them know that school is valuable. Ask your child about who they played with, what books they read, and what activities occurred. Read the notes that come home from the teacher and school. Attend parent-teacher meetings and as many other school events as your schedule will allow. Your interest in your child’s kindergarten experience sends the important message that school is important.
PDFIEL Resource
Resource List