Sure, you might have spent 13 years of your life in school, but when it comes time for your own child to march up those concrete steps and walk those ivory halls, the whole idea of school can seem completely foreign. And those nerves you’re feeling? First day jitters. That’s right, parents get them, too.
If you’re like most parents on the verge of sending a child to kindergarten for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. Unfortunately, parents often feel hesitant to ask those questions. After all, everyone else seems to have it all figured out, right? But before you book an extended stay in camp “I have no idea what I’m doing and everyone else does,” know this: you’re not alone.
Here at our Atlanta, Georgia elementary school, our teachers receive plenty of questions from brave parents as they begin to chart new waters and navigate the unknown territory that is kindergarten.
As it turns out, most parents have the same questions and concerns. So, we’ve put together a complete guide to navigating kindergarten for the first time. Ready to bid those jitters farewell? Read on.
How Do I Know if My Child Is Ready for Kindergarten?
Whether your child has spent the last few years in preschool or is completely new to the world of formal education, there are some key indicators that can help you evaluate whether or not your child is kindergarten-ready. Not only that, but this list can also serve as a great resource as you help your child prepare to become a bona fide kindergartner.
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
- Child has an interest in learning
- Child knows the alphabet
- Child can recognize some letters
- Child can follow simple directions
- Child can use the restroom independently
- Child knows primary colors
- Child has developed age-appropriate fine motor skills
- Child can count to 20
What Will My Child Learn in Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is the foundation for the rest of a child’s education. Hopefully, their school has an excellent kindergarten phonics curriculum that will accelerate their reading readiness. They should also focus on writing and hands-on mathematics instruction. But the learning isn’t just about academics. Kindergarten should teach crucial skills such as active listening, character development, honoring classroom expectations, and working well with others.
How Can I Help My Child Make New Friends?
No parent wants to picture their precious child sitting solo at the outskirts of the lunch table. The good news is that you can help prepare your child at home to be a go-getter when it comes to friendship with the following strategies:
- Encourage your child to participate in school games and activities
- Encourage your child to seek out other students who may be sitting alone or are reluctant to participate in group activities. (Try roleplaying.)
- Read books on making new friends
- Engage your child in conversations that will help boost his or her social and communication skills
How Can I Support My Child’s Education at Home?
If you want your child to succeed in the classroom, the first steps begin at home. You can help grow your child’s love for learning by reading together regularly, having daily conversations about the school day, and playing educational games as a family. In addition, children need an organized and distraction-free space where they can do their schoolwork, so try setting up a designated homework area at home.
What if My Child Has Separation Anxiety?
Most children deal with separation anxiety at one point or another. If your child has previously attended preschool, he or she may have already grown accustomed to saying goodbye, and knows that the separation is temporary. However, if your child is new to the drop-off situation, it may cause some serious anxiety and even some major meltdowns.
Kindergarten teachers know that dealing with separation anxiety is part of the job and are equipped to help your child adjust. Your child’s teacher might suggest implementing consistent routines, gradual transitions, or the possibility of bringing a familiar comfort item from home. If you think your child will experience separation anxiety when starting school, it’s a good idea to let their teacher know ahead of time so that you can collaborate on a game plan.
How Involved Should I Be in My Child’s Kindergarten Experience?
Don’t worry, there’s no need to jump right into being head of the PTA as soon as your child enters elementary school. However, it’s crucial that parents stay up to date on what is being taught in the classroom so that they can reinforce learning material at home.
Additionally, involvement in the school community through attending parent-teacher conferences, chaperoning field trips, and volunteering in the classroom will foster a better parent-teacher relationship, which will equip both parties to work together for the child’s educational success.
Bonus Tip: Make It Fun!
Although kindergarten can be a new, and sometimes nerve-wracking experience for parent and child, it’s also a fun and unique season of life that only comes around once. Don’t forget to model a positive attitude toward school. Celebrate even the seemingly minor milestones and achievements, and talk about the benefits that can come from learning to read, write, and count.
Ask your child to tell you their favorite part of the day, as well as something fun or funny that happened. This will encourage your child to look for the positive throughout the day and will contribute to a happier learning experience.
By preparing your child to be kindergarten-ready at home, teaching them to build and develop meaningful friendships, and staying involved in their school life, you’ll equip your child to enjoy a smooth transition into this next chapter of their life. And don’t forget, your child’s teacher is there to help you, too! Don’t be afraid to share any questions or concerns you may have so that you and your child can begin this new adventure with confidence.
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