Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for kids, and it can be an exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) time. Here are some tips to help children adjust and make the transition smoother:
1. Visit the School Ahead of Time
- If possible, take your child to visit the kindergarten classroom before the first day. Meet the teacher and let your child explore the space. This will help make the new environment feel more familiar.
2. Establish a Routine
- Kids thrive on routine. Start setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule a few weeks before school starts. This will help them feel more rested and prepared for the school day.
3. Talk Positively About Kindergarten
- Frame kindergarten as an exciting and fun adventure! Talk about the fun activities they’ll do, the new friends they’ll meet, and the things they’ll learn. Keep the tone positive so that they’re excited about the experience.
4. Practice Basic Skills
- Basic skills like tying shoes, using the bathroom independently, and washing hands can make your child feel more confident.
- Practice using a lunchbox, opening snack bags, and drinking from a water bottle by themselves.
5. Encourage Social Skills
- Playdates or time with other children before school can help your child practice sharing, taking turns, and interacting with peers. These social skills will be essential in the classroom.
6. Foster Independence
- While it’s tempting to do things for your child, encourage them to do as much as they can themselves—dressing, putting on their own shoes, packing their bag, etc. Independence boosts their confidence.
7. Read Books About Kindergarten
- There are many great children’s books about starting kindergarten. These can help your child understand what to expect and address any concerns they may have. Titles like The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg are popular ones.
8. Discuss Emotions
- It’s normal for kids to feel nervous or unsure about starting kindergarten. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. You might say things like, “It’s okay to feel nervous, but you’ll be okay. You’ll learn and make new friends!”
9. Prepare for Separation
- If your child has never been away from you for long periods, practice brief separations, like leaving them with a relative or friend for a few hours. This can ease the anxiety of saying goodbye at drop-off.
10. Be Calm at Drop-off
- Kids often pick up on their parents’ emotions. Try to remain calm and positive when dropping your child off, even if you feel nervous. A quick hug and kiss, along with a cheerful goodbye, is usually all they need.
11. Be Patient with Transitions
- The first few weeks may involve some emotional ups and downs. It’s normal for children to take time adjusting to a new routine. Stay patient and offer comfort when needed.
12. Create a Fun After-School Routine
- After-school time can be an adjustment too. Try to establish a fun routine, whether it’s snack time, reading a book, or outdoor play, so that your child looks forward to coming home.
13. Stay in Communication with the Teacher
- Teachers are a great resource. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. They’re there to support both you and your child through the transition.
14. Label Everything
- Make sure your child’s belongings (backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, etc.) are clearly labeled with their name. This makes it easier for them to keep track of their things and helps teachers too.
15. Celebrate the Small Wins
- Celebrate the small milestones, whether it’s a good report from the teacher or your child learning something new. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and excitement for learning.
How does your child feel about kindergarten? Are there any specific areas you’re concerned about?
I thought I would share a couple children’s books that can help calm children’s nerves as they get ready for kindergarten:
The Little Book of Kindergarten (Children’s Book About Kindergarten, School, New Experiences, Growth, Confidence, Child’s self-esteem)
Going to kindergarten is a big milestone in every young boy or girl’s life. It’s an exciting time, but can be overwhelming too. Is your child ready to make new friends and learn new skills?
The Little Book of Kindergarten will give your young one all of the reassurance and confidence they need to make kindergarten a wonderful, special experience.
With sweet text and engaging illustrations, The Little Book of Kindergarten will show soon-to-be kindergartners what to expect in the year ahead. It will reinforce to young children that going to kindergarten will be fun and exciting. And it is the perfect addition to any book collection.
The Little Book Of series introduces young kids to a wide range of ideas, activities, values, and emotions. With engaging text and warm, kid-friendly illustrations, each story teaches children that having fun, learning, talking about their feelings, and doing the right thing is always much easier than they think. Kids can enjoy the journey and fun of reading while discovering the world around them, one little book at a time. That’s what The Little Book Of series is all about!
This book comes with adorable illustrations and is a meaningful read for any child who is going to Kindergarten. It is available in paperback and Kindle formats. Add it to your shopping cart now and your child will be ready for the big day!
The Little Book Of series is written for kids 3-10. The books are perfect for boys, girls, early readers, primary school students, and even toddlers. This series is an excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers alike.
Fun, free printables at BooksByZackAndLaurie.com
Kindergarten, Here I Come!The Little Book of Kindergarten (Children’s Book About Kindergarten, School, New Experiences, Growth, Confidence, Child’s self-esteem)
Going to kindergarten is a big milestone in every young boy or girl’s life. It’s an exciting time, but can be overwhelming too. Is your child ready to make new friends and learn new skills?
The Little Book of Kindergarten will give your young one all of the reassurance and confidence they need to make kindergarten a wonderful, special experience.
With sweet text and engaging illustrations, The Little Book of Kindergarten will show soon-to-be kindergartners what to expect in the year ahead. It will reinforce to young children that going to kindergarten will be fun and exciting. And it is the perfect addition to any book collection.
The Little Book Of series introduces young kids to a wide range of ideas, activities, values, and emotions. With engaging text and warm, kid-friendly illustrations, each story teaches children that having fun, learning, talking about their feelings, and doing the right thing is always much easier than they think. Kids can enjoy the journey and fun of reading while discovering the world around them, one little book at a time. That’s what The Little Book Of series is all about!
This book comes with adorable illustrations and is a meaningful read for any child who is going to Kindergarten. It is available in paperback and Kindle formats. Add it to your shopping cart now and your child will be ready for the big day!
The Little Book Of series is written for kids 3-10. The books are perfect for boys, girls, early readers, primary school students, and even toddlers. This series is an excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers alike.
Fun, free printables at BooksByZackAndLaurie.com
Get ready for school with these fun poems!
This adorable audiobook celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it’s the first-day-of-school jitters or the hundredth-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced with a light and funny poem.
Includes an original song titled “Kindergarten, Here I Come!”
©2012 D.J. Steinberg (P)2020 Listening Library
Show kids ages 4 to 6 what their first day of kindergarten will look like―with fun and games!
A perfect workbook to get your child ready for kindergarten during the summer break. Starting school is an exciting time, but it’s also a big change for kids. This interactive, illustrated kindergarten book helps them feel prepared for their first day with games and activities that explain what to expect―and help them practice some kindergarten skills along the way.
The whole first day―Kids will explore their entire day, from getting up and dressed, to going to school, finding their classroom, eating snacks, doing schoolwork, and coming home again.
Get them classroom-ready―55 activities like tracing, matching, and mazes lay out the typical school day routine, and introduce colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.
Social and emotional skills―These games and activities also include tips about making friends, helping clean up, and identifying feelings.
Banish first-day jitters and set your little one up for success with My First Day of Kindergarten Activity Book.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
