• 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.
Getting ready for the first day of school
Do you remember your first day of school? Were you excit-
ed? 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 wor-
ried 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.
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.
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.
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