Sending a child off to kindergarten, whether it’s for the first, second or last time is an event filled with so many emotions – for both kids and parents. But there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your child for kindergarten and make the transition a little easier.
Find additional tips and tricks for a smooth transition to the new school year in our Back-to-School Guide.
Here are some ideas to help both you and your child adjust to kindergarten:
Before School Starts
Attend school open house night.
If there is a school open house when your child can meet their teacher and tour the school be sure to attend. If you happen to miss the open house or the school does not offer one, call to see if you can arrange a tour of the school and to meet the teacher with your child.
Start adjusting to the school routine early.
Routines are comforting for us and for our kids. To help reduce stress and get used to the new school schedule, start adjusting bedtimes and wake up times a few weeks before it begins.
If your child has allergies or special needs, send a note to the school nurse and kindergarten teacher.
Do this even if you have indicated this on other forms already. It may be critical for teachers to know that your child reacts to bee stings, has food allergies, or has hearing or vision modifications. As a parent, you have the responsibility to advocate for your child’s health and safety.
Label everything.
Make sure to label backpacks, lunch boxes – everything your child takes to school. This includes them! If your child’s school has not supplied a nametag, make one. It should have your child’s name, address, and a phone number where a parent/guardian can be reached, the name of the teacher, and how your child gets to and from school.
Read books together about starting school.
This can be a comforting bedtime activity that is a great way to facilitate discussions and to encourage your kids to feel comfortable sharing about any jitters or concerns that they may have.
On the First Day of School
Be positive.
Give your child a smile and a hug, tell them you love them, and wave goodbye. It’s okay to be emotional, but try to maintain your composure until after you child has gotten on the bus or is in the school building.
Help your child say goodbye.
Saying goodbye in a new setting can be frightening for some children. When you say goodbye (either at the bus or at school), reassure your child that you will see them later. Mention a specific time and a concrete activity, for example “I will meet you at the bus stop after school”.
Think of ways you can offer comfort to your child while you’re apart.
For example:
- Put a family photo in their school bag
- Leave a kiss on your child’s hand to press on their cheek when they miss you
- Ask your child to draw a picture for you to share at the end of the day
Hold off on asking the kindergarten teacher questions.
The first day of school is not the time to bombard the teacher with personal requests and information. Remember, your child is one of 25 or 30 children. Trust that the teacher is a professional who will make your child feel welcome and help them feel like a member of the classroom community.
During the First Week of School
Be supportive.
Adjusting to school may take time. The first days and weeks in a new classroom can be exhausting, so spend extra time relaxing together at home afterward.
Check in with your child about how they felt and what happened at school each day.
See if your child has brought home any drawings, paintings, or scribbling. These papers may be very important to your young student. After a few weeks have passed and your child has gotten used to school, ask about what they’ve learned, what stories the teacher read, what they did at recess, etc. Listen for clues about your child’s strengths and challenges.
Read everything the school sends home.
During the first few weeks of school, kids bring home a wealth of information about school routines, important dates, and meetings that you will need to know about. Make sure to check your child’s backpack every day. (And read your email;)
Enjoy being the parent of a kindergartner!
This is your child’s first step into elementary school and a unique time in childhood. Enjoy!
