Getting ready for the first day of school Do you remember your first day of school? Were you excited? Frightened? Sad? Your childhood memories about the first day of school will influence how you feel about your child starting school. You may have mixed feelings about the start of school – excitement for your child on the one hand, but a sense of loss on the other. You may be worried about how your child will cope with new routines and strangers. Your attitude toward the start of school can help set a positive tone. If you are worried or anxious, try not to pass those feelings along.
Your child may also have some mixed feelings – worry about not knowing the teacher or the other children in class, but also excitement about a new adventure. If your child feels prepared and knows what to expect, he or she will more likely be ready for independence and to view the start of school as a positive experience.
Here are some tips for the last few weeks leading up to the start of school:
• Talk about the first day and what your child may experience. Focus on the positives of going to school.
• Practice walking to school or to the bus stop often so it begins to feel like a familiar routine. If your child will be riding the bus, review safety rules.
• Practice going to bed and getting up on the new schedule that will be required for school. Children ages five to six need at least 10 hours of sleep per night.
• Get up early enough so your child can eat a calm, unhurried breakfast.
• Gather comfortable clothing. School clothes should be suited for the day’ s weather and be comfortable and durable for physical activities. They should also be washable, as kindergarten exploration can often be a bit messy. Look for clothing, jackets, shoes and boots that are easy for your child to put on, take off, and fasten as independently as possible.
On the first day of kindergarten:
• Serve your child’ s usual breakfast, or better yet let them have breakfast at school, it’ s free for all kindergartners!
• A healthy breakfast will help your child to be more attentive and“ ready to learn.”
• Help your child to dress in comfortable clothing that they are accustomed to wearing.
• Keep conversations and routines as normal as possible.
• Remind your child how he or she will get home from school.
• Assure your child that you are excited for him or her to go to kindergarten and that you look forward to greeting them and hearing all about the school day.
• When you say goodbye on the first day, make it quick and reassuring, with a warm hug.
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