5 Ways to Help Kids Transition to Kindergarten
Childhood is a time of transition. So many parents document their child's transitions—from baby’s first bite of solid food to their graduation from pre-school—with pride and excitement.
The first day of kindergarten is no exception – It's a big milestone for a child and their family, too! When parents and caregivers guide and support their child’s transition to school, children feel respected, loved and nurtured, which helps them make a successful adjustment.
Here are 5 ways parents and caregivers can help make that transition a smooth one:
- Talk with your child about kindergarten: Talk about the change and give your child a chance to share their hopes and fears. Let them know it’s normal to feel happy, sad, excited, scared or worried. Tell them about a time when you started something new and how you felt, and remind them of a time they successfully coped with a new situation. Let them know that you will always be there for them.
- Read books about school: There are many books about starting kindergarten you can find at your local library. Choose several to read with your child before school starts and talk about each of the stories, how the characters are feeling, and how your child is feeling. You can also help make reading a daily part of your child’s routine by establishing a story time each day at home. This will help support their learning and help grow their love for reading.
- Explain the daily routine: Let your child know how they will get to school and come home each day, and that each day will include common routines like lunchtime in the cafeteria and recess after lunch. Reassure them that school is a good place where they will have fun and learn – and answer their questions patiently. This helps children feel more in control, reducing anxiety.
- Visit your child’s school together and meet their teacher: Ask when you can tour your child’s school and meet their teacher. You can also play on the school’s playground before kindergarten. These visits increase your child’s comfort with and confidence in the new school setting.
- Ensure your child knows their full name: There will be lots of time in kindergarten dedicated to letter and sound recognition. But an important first-day skill for your child is to be able to recognize and write their first and last name. Practice together at home and make it fun. Also teach your child their teacher’s name, and your family’s phone number and address.
