EDUCATION CORNER
How to Help Your Child
Transition From Kindergarten
to First Grade
By Dr. Sharon Servier, Interim Director of Advocacy, Missouri School Counselor Association
First published on www.parenttoolkit.com
P
arents and children deal with a number of school
transitions throughout life. As parents, we want
the best for our kids, and we want them to be
happy, successful and fulfilled during their school
life. Parents sometimes struggle with how and what to
do to make this possibility more of a reality. Here are a
few ideas that might keep everyone smiling.
Transitioning into Kindergarten
• Always, ALWAYS talk positively about going to
school. Your child will zero in on your emotions and
feelings like a homing pigeon headed back after a long
flight. Be positive and excited for this new venture.
• Learn the ropes. When your local school has parent
meetings about the transition into kindergarten, attend!
These opportunities will allow you to meet important
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school personnel, like the principal, teachers, counselor,
and nurse. You will also learn about any before-school
activities that may be taking place, as well as important
dates.
• Orientation activities usually occur right before
school starts. Go! Orientation allows your child the
chance to do things like ride the bus, find their way
to their classroom, get acquainted or re-acquainted
with the teacher and other children, and just generally
familiarize themselves with school and the classroom.
• Set a reasonable bedtime and start a “prep” routine.
Being in school half or all day can be a big change for
these little guys. They will be exhausted for the first
few weeks. Expect crabbiness and whininess. It will
pass. Making bedtime a bit earlier, especially during the
transition, will be a good idea. It’s also a good idea to
set a routine for getting clothing picked out and having