Grab your tissue box as we embark on what is called Kindergarten Roundup. I am an emotional person and just watched The Notebook since I was in the mood for a good cry. I know that my daughters share this same gift with me. Emotions play a big part in starting Kindergarten.
Going to Kindergarten is a big deal!
Maybe this is your first child, your last, or maybe somewhere in between that but, you get to help during this transition. Last Spring I had ALL OF THE FEELS as the countdown to Kindergarten was drawing near. I wish I would have known then what I know now. For example, I would not have worried so much about milestones, benchmarks, and academic readiness. Instead, I would have opened up communication and allow my child to express their own worries. This first step towards starting school can be unnerving. Show your child that they can handle this!
What can you do to set up your family for a smooth Kindergarten year? I can offer some insight to emotionally preparing your child.
Development
Fine tune skills such as being able to share, take turns, cooperate, participate, and listen to solutions. This ability goes a long way in the classroom. On the topic of sharing be sure to include speaking in front of the class. Speaking in front of the class is called (Sharing) Encourage imaginary play and pretend reading a book. These experiences will pay off in the real-life situation.
Expectations
Plan a day to do a (trial run) of how a typical morning will go. When I asked other Moms what they would do differently the #1 answer was to wake up early beginning a few weeks before school.
Responsibility
Give your child independence as soon as you can. Pick out an outfit, go to the bathroom alone, open doors, and practice walking in a line. Try a lunchtime setup where your child selects their own food and carries a tray to the table.
Organization
A smooth day starts in the morning. Clean out the closet to figure out what fits and what doesn’t. You would be surprised at the growth spurt that occurs over the summer! Let’s face it our kids are running around in flip flops for three solid months before school starts.
Adaptation
Can they easily adapt to change? How do they adjust to transitions? There are many of them in a single day of Kindergarten. Check the emotional development such as the self-regulating of highs and lows. How does your child react with disappointment?
Physical
Conquer the playground. Have you taken your child to play at the school playground? Becoming familiar with the environment will allow them to get comfortable.
What will make the first day easier? Communication is your friend. Get out there and ask other Moms what their experience has been? Our school hosts a Ready-Set-Kinder Camp In June. Check into summer camps for Kindergarten at your school.
Talk with and enjoy your child because the long days are limited before you will share them with a new set of grownups.
Lastly, search for an incoming Kindergarten Facebook group because chances are there are other Moms who are feeling the same anxious emotions that you are!
Mamas what is helping you as you prepare your little for starting Kindergarten this coming fall?
