Transition Tips

What can I do to prepare my child for kindergarten?

Starting Kindergarten is a very exciting time for you and your child. It is also a time of many changes, with new building, teachers, schedule, and routines.  By starting the process of transition early you will give your child plenty of time to adjust and successfully enter kindergarten. A positive transition will contribute to your child’s feeling about school and learning for years to come.

It is important to remember that your child will take his clues from you.  If you talk positively about what is coming your child will develop a sense of security and excitement about this new adventure.  Don’t make “You're going to Kindergarten” a new last minute idea.  Months before school starts, talk about kindergarten in general conversation. For example, “look, we are passing the school you get to go to next year for kindergarten.  Look at the fun playground.”

Below are suggestions to help make the transition into kindergarten easier for your child.

During the Summer:

• Use the Kindergarten Checklist provided at registration to make sure your child is ready in the various areas outlined.  If you have any questions contact your child's school.
•  Spend time playing on the playground at the new school.
• Plan play dates with other children you know who will be starting kindergarten at the same school.
• Encourage and take the time to practice self help skills:  zipping, buttoning, toileting, opening packages, cleaning up snack and toys. Children who enter school with these skills feel confident.
• Encourage and take time to practice group skills:  listening, sitting, taking turns, and following two step commands; “Put your coat on the hook and then come into the kitchen.”
• Give your child age appropriate jobs to do at home. For example helping to set the table, or clearing dishes.  These skills will help your child understand how to be a contributing member in class.
•  Encourage your child to know and say his full name, address and telephone number.
• Read books about beginning a new school and/or about making new friends. Obtain a library card, if your child does not already have one, and make it an exciting event.
• Learn about the school system and school.  Visit their website, talk with friends and neighbors.
• Make sure all daycare arrangements for the school year are set and your child is aware of any changes that are being made.

Few Weeks Before:

• Start to change routines. Be consistent with bedtimes, breakfast and lunch.
• Attend your school’s kindergarten orientation program.  Your child will be able to ride the bus, visit the classroom, and meet the teacher. If you know other families attending, make this a special occasion. Why not have a picnic on the playground following the event!
• When planning after school activities, do not over-schedule your child. You can always add activities later.
  

A Week or Days Before:

• Make sure your child understands transportation plans for before and after school. Information presented in a calm and clear way can prevent or reduce anxiety. If your child will be riding the bus, walk to the bus stop several times and talk about what will happen when school starts.
•  Label all of your child’s belongings.
• Read any information sent by the school.  Follow suggestions for back pack size and necessary school supplies. 
• Get some snacks in the house for your child to bring to school.  Keep them simple and healthy.
• Continue a consistent school-time schedule. Try not to travel right before school starts.

The Night Before School:

• With your child’s help, plan what he or she will be wearing and lay it out.
• Get the backpack and snack ready.
• Answer any last minute questions your child may have and reassure your child if he or she has any anxiety.
• Plan a good night’s rest for your child--and for you!
• Make sure your camera is charged.

First Days of School:

• Be calm and positive. Your child will take their cues from you.
• If your child is a bus rider, put him or her on the bus and follow it to school in your car.
• When saying good bye to your child at school, be positive and keep it short.  Make sure your child understands this is their time and you can’t wait to hear about it later.
• When your child comes home, ask questions about the day that can not be answered with yes or no.  This will begin to establish a daily pattern of conversation between the two of you.
• Read through all information that is sent home. Fill out any paperwork that needs to be returned. Save anything you may need in the future such as contact information.
• Attend any Back to School Nights your school has.
• Find out when your school’s PTO meetings are and plan on attending.  This is a great way to learn about the school and meet new people.

The above suggestions and guidelines are just that. You know your child’s needs best; when to implement ideas and introduce activities to your child and which would be more likely to work. All children transition differently.  If after a week you feel your child is having a harder time than you would have expected, contact the teacher. 

It is important to know yourself as well. Try to separate your feelings from those of your child. Whether sad, scared or excited, or all three, these are normal feelings for parents to experience.