September is quickly approaching and many children will be heading off to school for their very first time. It can be a nerve wrecking time for both parent and child. Having just gone through this ourselves last year I want to share with you our top 5 ways we prepared for Kindergarten.
Talk About It
Children love to talk, I know as mine never stops. Talk to them about school. How they will meet new friends, hear new stories and learn new things. If you build up the excitement and how fun it will be they will love the idea of going to school.
Listen To Them
Your child may have fears about starting school. Listen to their fears and address their fears and concerns. It is normal to be a little scared. After all this may be their first time leaving you and spending their day somewhere else.
Show Them The School
Your child may be scared about going somewhere they have never been. So bring them to see the school and play in the yard. This will get them familiar with the area. If your school has a parent/teacher interview bring your child with you. We brought ours and it was great one on one time with his teacher and she showed him all around the classroom. She then had activities set up for the child to play with while we had our meeting.
Preparing To Take The School Bus
Will your child be taking the school bus? If so I can not recommend enough the School Bus Safety Awareness Day happening on August 26th. They learn all about safely riding the bus and then get to actually go on a bus ride. They get to practice boarding, riding and getting off the bus. Attending this yearly ran event gave both myself and my son the confidence to send him off on the bus by himself.
Take Them School Shopping
They don’t need much for kindergarten. All you need are the basics; lunch bag, backpack and indoor shoes. Let them come with you to pick out these items. Just remember to get them a decent sized backpack and not a cute little one. It needs to fit school notes, snack/lunch and spare clothing.
What tips do you have for preparing your child for kindergarten or back to school in general?