How do you get your child ready for the beginning of their academic career? How do you prepare yourself for this life-changing transition?
Prepping for the first school send off
We’ve all seen those movies and T.V. shows where the child clings to his parent’s leg, weeping and refusing to go inside the kindergarten classroom. This emotional exchange can be just as difficult for parents as it is for the kids. That’s why we came up with eight tips to quell your child’s fear to ease them through those big, scary doors.
1. Read Books
Read books about kindergarten with them, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters and gently get them familiar with the concept. Storytime is a good way to get your child talking about the new school.
2. Take a walk
Walk with your child by the school, play on the playground, and maybe take him or her inside for a special tour. Research shows that children who have established routine in their lives feel more safe and secure.
3. Sleep Schedule
Adjust their sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.
4. Practice Trip
Take a practice bus trip if your child is going to take the bus to school or point out (and count!) buses you see on the road.
5. Kindergarten math
Being a Mathematics based game company, our desire is for your student to excel in Math. Math can be integrated into many daily activities. You can start prepping your child for kindergarten with kindergarten-appropriate math games like Uno and number Bingo. Practice counting by asking your child to count the buttons on your shirt, the daisies in your lawn, the candy in a dish. Use our Math Development Growth Chart and find out where your five-year-old is in math before school begins.
6. How do parents get ready?
Kids are the ones who have to face a whole new routine, but parents need to prepare too! During the school send off, you’ll probably cry more than the little one. Invest in a giant pair of sunglasses to hide those tears. And definitely have a video camera handy.
7. Questions to ask yourself before your child begins kindergarten:
What forms do you need to fill out?
Do you have a kindergarten yearly calendar and daily schedule?
What are the procedures for getting your child to/from school?
What immunizations are required for school entry?
How do you register?
What’s the principal’s name and the name of the kindergarten teachers?
What is the policy for school snacks and lunches?
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