Preparing Young Kids for Starting Kindergarten
Steps to Take to Make Going to School for the First Time Easier
Aug 21, 2009
Getting ready to go to school for the first time can be an experience filled with many emotions for both young kids and parents. Questions of children being happy, making friends and being able to be independent can plague a parents mind. Here are some steps to take that can help ease some of the anxiety for everyone.
Becoming Familiar With the School
Many schools offer the opportunity to meet the teachers and see the classroom before school starts. If the school does not offer this then request to set up a time to meet, preferably before the summer break prior to the start of Kindergarten. This will help prevent kids worrying about the unknown.
Have children tour the school and see:
- Their classroom
- Where to hang their stuff
- Where they eat lunch
- What the bathrooms look like
- Where the school bus stops
- The playground – try to play at the school playground over the summer a few times
Meeting Classmates
If there is a play group or kids activity in the area, it might be a good opportunity to meet some kids that will be attending the same school. If possible, get a few of the kids going to school together for a play date so children will recognize a few familiar faces.
Buying School Clothes for Young Kids
Let kids pick out as much as possible to help foster excitement and independence. There are things to look for to make it easier for young children to be successful:
- Jeans and pants with snap versus button closures, or consider pull on pants
- Slip on or Velcro runners versus laces and practice how to tell the right foot from the left
- For jackets, consider if zippers, buttons or pullovers are easier
Packing Lunch Bags for Young Children
Make sure young children can open containers packed in their lunch bags. Sometimes for little hands, thermos and plastic lids can be difficult. Practice at home and find what type of lid works best. Other ways to help make things easier:
- Open straws and tape them to juice boxes
- Open packages and put contents in recyclable containers, or in plastic bags until kids are able to open containers successfully
Other Ways to Help Prepare Children for School
- Teach kids to use and dispose of Kleenex tissues properly.
- Make sure kids, especially boys, know how to go to the bathroom like bigger kids do, to avoid any teasing.
- Read books about starting kindergarten.
- Watch positive shows on television about going to school.
- Go through preparation packages provided by the school.
- Purchase kindergarten preparation activity books.
- Practice counting, the alphabet, shapes, matching, using scissors, printing letters, etc.
Familiarizing children with the school and playground, meeting classmates and knowing expectations will help ease anxiety about starting kindergarten. Supplying kids with clothes and containers that they can master will add to their confidence and independence. Reading books and watching shows about school will provide information about what happens at kindergarten. Taking these steps will aid in helping prepare young kids for school and making children and parents feel more comfortable with this new experience.
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