Summer is officially in full swing, yet in the midst of all the fun some parents may be starting to think about the upcoming school year. August is right around the corner and helping prepare children to go back to school, or enter school for the first time is important. Entering a new grade level can often be scary and making the jump from preschool to Kindergarten can be even more daunting.
Some children may come out and voice their concerns about entering school, especially once stores start lining isles with school supplies and the idea becomes more real. However, other children may not be as vocal, or phased by the idea, yet. Whichever the case may be, here are some tips for making the transition to kindergarten easier on your child.
Before School Starts
- Visit the school and meet the teacher. Becoming familiar with the school and meeting the teacher allows children to better understand what is in store for the year. Meeting the teacher can answer a lot of questions your child may have and lessen some anxiety about their first day. Most schools have visiting days prior to the start of the year that are great opportunities to take advantage of. If you are unable to attend the set visiting day, you can try contacting the school, or teacher, to set up a quick visit for you and your child to meet with their teacher prior to the start of the school year.
- Start a school routine early. Children do well with routines, because they are predictable and help them feel secure. Establishing routines early on can help reduce stress and anxiety your child may have prior to starting school. One way to do this is by adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake up times a few weeks before school begins.
- Schedule your child’s yearly pediatric well-child visit. Although it may not seem urgent, a yearly exam by your family’s pediatrician is an important part of keeping your child healthy. The back-to-school season is a convenient time to schedule your child’s exam.
- Send a note to the nurse and the teacher if your child has allergies or special needs. It is important to do this even if you have indicated it on other forms already as precautionary measure. As a parent, advocating for your child’s health and safety in a new setting can be critical.
- Talk to your child about starting school. The more you speak to your child about starting school, the more comfortable they will feel about the subject. Be sure to point out positive aspects to build anticipation, like making new friends and all the new things they will learn how to do. Reading books together about starting school can also act to both lessen anxiety and prepare them for their first day.
On the first day of school
- Be positive. Start the morning off with a healthy breakfast and morning routine. Help your child say goodbye and reassure them that you will see them later.
- Make sure the teacher and your child knows how they are getting home. There are many options from getting to and from school, so make sure your child knows the method of transportation they will be taking. It is good to let the teacher know how they will be getting picked up, or going home at the end of the day as well.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Back-to-the-Doctor.aspx https://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/transitioning-kindergarten
