Preparing For the First Day of School

Hello Readers! Each month as part of our monthly newsletter, I am going to include some kind of Tip of the Month to help with normal preschool aged behaviors. This month's tip is about helping your child transition to starting school this can be helpful for preschool or kindergarten aged children.

Helping Prepare for the First Day
Some or all of these ideas might work for you and your family. Always remember to talk about starting school in a positive and calm way.

A few weeks before school starts:

• Start talking about school starting and how much fun it will be.
• Be positive and share with your child what they will do there.
• Read books about children going to school.
• If possible, meet the teacher and visit the class ahead of time.
  

That morning:

• Leave plenty of time to get ready so you're not stressed.
• Reassure them that you will come and get them when it's over.
• Please do not bring toys.
• If they need a security object, have them bring a book to share when it is reading time at the end of the day.
  

At School:

• Engage your child in toys that interest them and talk about all the fun they will have.
• You are welcome to stay and help with the transition during center time only. If you show your confidence in their new experience by leaving with a smile, they will pick up on it and start to feel more confident as well.
• When it is time for you to go, keep your goodbye short and simple.
  
• It can help to have a goodbye ritual like a special handshake, song, hug, or special words that you always say.
• Allow the teacher to help your child or go to the teacher if they need help with a project or have questions.
• Always keep open communication with the teacher about your concerns.

After School:

• Use the monthly activity calendar to talk about what they did at school that day.
• Ask them to tell you about the stories they read or the songs they sung.