Back to School season has arrived! Fall fashion and school supplies are advertised everywhere. And this year’s kindergarteners (parents) are getting anxious about the school year. To make the transition to school easier, spend the next few weeks talking about and preparing for school. Here are six ideas to get you started:
Read books about school. Go to the library and have your kindergartener pick out books about school. Spend some time every day reading and talking about these books and how the characters’ experiences may be similar to your child’s.
Play pretend school. Encourage imaginative play about school. Pull out crafts to create a classroom and school supplies out of cardboard and crayons. Talk about your own school experiences so that your future scholar has stories to begin with. Then give a lot of time and freedom for your child to let their imagination go.
Hold a dress rehearsal. Begin the process of developing your school day routine early. Create standard bed and morning routines (Getting enough sleep is key!). Practice getting ready for school in the morning — having your child to put on his school clothes, eat breakfast and walk with you to school. This dress rehearsal will help your child better know what to expect when school begins.
Visit school. Attend your child’s school’s welcome event. Give your child any opportunity to walk around the school with you and meet the teachers and principal. Being at school with you will help your daughter get comfortable with space and adults. To get additional time at school, schedule trips for play on the school playground.
Plan healthy meals. With your child, pick out a healthy breakfast and lunch for the first day of school. Have him join you in the kitchen to prepare these meals. A nutritious meal that your kids enjoys will go a long way to make them happy. And don’t stop on day one, do your best to make every meal healthy and fun for your child.
Sign up to volunteer at school. Volunteering on the playground or in the classroom helps you feel more comfortable to see your child’s school, helps the school, and helps your child. Studies show children with involved parents are better learners. Can’t volunteer during the day? Talk with your PTA/PTO about how you can contribute on your own time.
What are your recommendations help parents get their children ready for school?
