Tips for Parents of Kindergartners on the First Day of School ... Ever

Sending a child to kindergarten can be a tough process, for both the parents and the child.  Skyview Elementary School held a Kindergarten parent meeting last week to help answer questions and ease some of the worry involved in sending a child off for the first time.

In 36 years, Skyview teacher Kathy Johnson has seen many kids come and go. She said some adjust to kindergarten very well, while others struggle with the changes.

Johnson offered some tips for parents to give everyone a peace-of-mind during the transition:

• The transportation can be challenging in the beginning for a kindergartener. Be sure to explain or show your child exactly where their bus will pick them up and drop them off.
• Kids will be exhausted the first couple weeks of school. Make sure they are getting plenty of rest at home.
• Keep your child’s teacher posted on any changes, large or small, that will affect their daily routine at school.
• Keep your child’s teacher informed of any allergies or health concerns.
• Work on manners at home—raising your hand and not speaking out of turn helps the whole classroom.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay in touch. It’s important to be involved in everything that is happening throughout the school year.
• Talk to your child about what it is they want to learn and get out of kindergarten.
• If your child’s school required nametags, make sure they keep them on for the first couple of weeks at school. It’s a tremendous help to teachers, specialists, bus drivers and cafeteria workers. 
• Work with your child on the learning basics, like recognizing numbers and letters. Having that head start will help your child excel.
• It may seem hard when the kids are struggling with the transition, but the best way to deal with it is to ride it out. Kids are adaptable and the easiest way for them to adjust is to not feed into any negative thoughts or behavior. 

Kindergarten parent, Stacy Lambert is no stranger to the struggles of transitioning with a kindergartener, as she is sending her second child to Johnson’s class this year.  She offered her own advice to parents as well.

“Stay involved. It’s an eye-opening experience how much they learn and grow in kindergarten. They will become so much more dependent on themselves and it’s really great to watch that,” she said.  “Get ready for a really fun year!”