Are you ready to send your child to kindergarten?
Part of my job is to help parents prepare their child for kindergarten, but sometimes it is the parent who is feeling the stress of kissing their baby good-bye.Here are some tips to help parents, grandparents, and guardians face the the day when their baby steps onto the school bus and into the classroom.Be positive! Even if you feel like crying because your child is growing up or you hated school and your experience was not good, talk about how great school is going to be. Your attitude sets the tone for your child.
1. Go to the library, select and read books about going to school.
2. Listen carefully to your child so you can answer questions and alleviate any concerns that she may have by providing information. Knowing what is going to happen and what to expect lowers stress.
3. Visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and go to the school’s open house. Visiting and finding his room, cubby, table/desk and etc. will help make an unfamiliar location more friendly.
4. If you are feeling anxious about the school year, talk to the teacher so YOU know what to expect about the classroom routine, how you can volunteer and be involved, teacher expectations, and etc.
5. If you have questions throughout the year, ask!
6. Listen to the teacher’s suggestions.
7. Remember that you and your child’s teacher are a team.
8. This article has links that describe what children typically learn in kindergarten.
9. This is a new adventure for you and your child. Embrace it and enjoy the journey. Being in kindergarten will spark new conversations and discoveries that will be exciting for you both.
10. Keep a sense of humor, be positive, and have a wonderful school year!
PS: If you share these tips in a newsletter, and I hope that you do, please give credit to Creative Connections for Kids. Thank you!
