Kindergarten is a major milestone in a child’s life, a time to begin a rich and exciting journey of learning and growth. It also is a time of curiosity, jitters, heightened independence and expectations, joy and lightbulb moments.
“Taking the right preparation steps can help a child transition to kindergarten by easing anxieties, building confidence and equipping them with essential skills for success,” says Rebeca Tyner, assistant superintendent at Summit Academy Schools.
To help children and their families make a smooth transition to kindergarten, Summit Academy Community School – Lorain Principal Jasmine Rengh and Summit Academy Community School –Parma Acting Principal Alexandra Morris offer five practical tips.
1. Practice independence skills.
Children should be potty-trained before kindergarten age. If they can tie their shoes and zip their jackets, those are added pluses, says Morris. She adds that slip-on shoes may be a good option for children still learning to tie their shoes, a skill which might be taught or practiced in kindergarten.
“Encourage your child to do things independently, like using the bathroom, washing hands, putting on their shoes and opening lunch containers,” suggests Morris.
In addition, engaging children in activities like cutting with safety scissors, drawing and playing with Play-Doh will help develop their hand strength for writing.
2. Establish a routine.
“It is never too early to start establishing a routine with your child,” says Rengh, who adds that children should have a structure in place by age 3. “It may seem odd to make them wake up early, get dressed and practice sitting or reading as if they were at school, but it will help make the transition, when it is time, a lot easier.”
Setting a regular bedtime is equally important, adds Rengh. She points out that students with a later-than-typical bedtime are often tired in the morning and struggle to focus.
3. Read to your child.
“Reading together builds vocabulary, listening skills and a love for books,” Morris says. She offers some book suggestions especially suited for soon-to-be kindergarteners:
“The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing
“Kindergarten, Here I Come!” by D.J. Steinberg
“Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” by Joseph Slate
“Whether it is a story before bedtime or throughout the day, the exposure to words and sounds will help make their early school years easier,” Rengh adds.
4. Encourage social skills.
Teaching your child to take turns, share, say “please” and “thank you” and use kind words will go a long way in kindergarten and throughout life, says Morris.
They will also serve as a springboard to help students follow school rules such as walking in line, raising their hands to speak and being kind to each other, Rengh adds.
5. Visit the school with your child.
Attend an open house or schedule a visit to familiarize your child with the school, classroom and teachers, advises Morris, who recently hosted a mock kindergarten day with her staff to acquaint prospective new kindergarteners and their families with the school. The fun-filled event offered stations for children to complete an art project, listen to a story, watch therapeutic martial arts demonstrations and, overall, get acquainted with the school.
The Big Day
When the first day of school arrives, Morris recommends families assure their children that feelings of nervousness, fear and excitement are OK.
“Let them know that they can talk about their day with you,” Morris says.
In addition, she suggests keeping goodbyes short, sweet and upbeat; labeling children’s belongings (backpack, lunch box, jacket and water bottle) with their names; and sending along a comfort item if permitted to do so.
