Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Have a child starting Kindergarten this fall? Don't know how to get them ready for the big change? Don't know how to get you ready? Well, these are questions most mothers and fathers have even if there fourth child is starting school. Every kid is different and must be dealt with on their level. Every child that leaves home for school the first time leaves a little hole in the day where there presence made us smile and laugh. We want that teacher to understand that kid is our world and our everything. We want the school staff to know how important these children are to us.

Getting Your Child Ready

Start writing their name. Your child needs to learn some basic skills at home. Nothing to big but writing their name, counting, tying their shoes, and buttons/zippers/belts are things that will only make Kindergarten easier for your child. We want our kids to learn and grow at school. Not spend all day in the bathroom putting on one belt.

Pack a Lunch. Packing a lunch makes the child feel like they are bringing something from home to school. The child associates home with security so Kindergarteners especially might need this little extra. Write a little note on their napkin, just something small that the child can read. Examples could be; I love you, have a good day, see you at home, or enjoy your lunch. Practice reading the words together at home so when he or she opens their lunch they know how much you care. Even try including a picture of the family, your dog, and your gerbil, anything that will bring a smile to your little ones face.

Go to the School. Meet the teacher on the school orientation night is a must, of course. However, you have all summer where school is out and that playground is free. Go play with your kid. Take him or her to the school, pack a lunch, and bring the bat and ball. Make a weekly trip for a lunch play date at your little ones new school. This will help them get used to their new environment and make that first day a little less scary (for you both).

Getting You Ready

My oldest daughter went to school and I went with her. Yes, I would stay all day, volunteer in her class, and even bring my youngest child in her stroller. I could not let go. I had to make sure that Miss Gary did everything right and treated my daughter with as much love as I would at home. How do we let go of our children on this most momentous day?

Research the School. Research not only the school but the teachers, principal, staff, and neighborhood. Use familywatchdog.com to see where the closest sex offenders live to the school. Search the school staff on the internet. Read their myspaces and blogs. Yes, it is okay to look deep into these things. No, you are not being to overdramatic or overprotective. This is your child. If you do not keep them safe who will? Knowing all you can about the education of the principal and teachers will help you be at ease with the teachings. Search greatschools.net to see what rating that specific school got, what the minorities are, and local reviews from parents.

Make your concerns known. You are not the first parent to feel this way. You will not be the last one either. Parents follow the bus to school and watch their kids get off, they might even go as far as to meet the kids at the door to school after getting off the bus and walk them to their classrooms. Making sure the school knows you are one of these parents is important. The school will understand and accommodate your needs. Now, if you begin to peak in the windows during class to check on your child...you might want to just start going to class with them instead.

Do what feels right for you and your family. If you need to do something then do not hesitate to do it. Maybe you do not like the bus driver. You could feel that a male teacher would be a bad choice for your daughter. You might have found a sex offender living close to the school and your child walks. If you have concerns then bring them up to the correct individuals. If you do not know who the correct individual is then go to the principal. The school is there to help you and your child. They will listen to you and hear your concerns.