Kindergarten Here I Come

Summer vacation is approaching and your little one will be heading to school for the first time come fall. How do you prepare your child for school without taking away from their summer play? Here are some tips that parents can do at home with their children to help prepare them for that special day.

1) Before school let's out for the year, contact the principal of the school you will be sending your child to. Ask the principal if it would be ok if you bring your child in for a visit. The principal may even schedule some time with a Kindergarten teacher so your child can sit in the class and do a craft with the other kids. Some school's even have a program called Kindergarten Round-up. Kindergarten Round-up usually occurs around the month of April or May. This is the time when you would sign your child up for Kindergarten. It also allows your child to spend about an hour in a Kindergarten class. During Kindergarten Round-up, the parents will be in either the gym or library learning about special classes your child will be attending during the school year. You will be introduced to the Kindergarten teachers and will be allowed to ask questions.

2) Take your child up to the school's playground throughout the summer break so that your child becomes familiar with the school. When school starts back in the fall, your child will not be so nervous and may go with ease. You on the other hand may need to bring some tissues as you watch your baby begin their school days. Oh, don't forget the camera on the first day of school!

3) You should take your child to the library over summer vacation to get them familiar with books. Ask the librarian if she/he could recommend some books that would help prepare your child for school in the fall. You should also contact your child's school and see if they have any recommendations for summer reading. There are many books that your child should read before school starts. These books will help explain to your child what happens at school, how to ride on a bus or how to handle a bully.

4) If your child has never attended a preschool, you can enroll your child into a summer preschool program. Enrolling your child in a preschool program gets them use to being around children their own age. Also, it helps teach them how to listen to their teacher, how to respect others property and how to play well with others. Many children are afraid to attend school because they are afraid that their parent will not come back for them. Having your child attend a preschool before Kindergarten starts will show them that you will not leave them at school.

5) One of the most important things that must be done before your child starts Kindergarten is the dreaded physical. At the physical your child's doctor will make sure your child has all the necessary immunizations, will test their hearing and vision, check their weight and height and check their knowledge of certain items such as colors, animals, numbers and shapes. Your child's doctor will let you know if they think your child is ready for Kindergarten or not.

Kindergarten can be a scary and stressful time for children and parents. However, if you begin to prepare your child early for school the transition should be smooth for the both of you. School is a time for your child to grow, learn and make new friends.