Countdown to Kindergarten

The countdown to kindergarten is exciting but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for kids as well as parents and caregivers too. We are so loving the list of recommendations that the Oberlin City School District has shared with parents and caregivers of incoming kindergarteners. So much so that we wanted to share it with you, in case you missed it…

Tips to help make the first day a great day!

• Make sure your child is starting to get to be earlier each night and waking up early each morning
  • Practice the nightly routine so they know what to expect
  • Set a predictable and calming routine like bath, brush teeth, read a story and go to sleep.  
  • Parents can benefit from practicing as well.  Practice getting out of the house and getting everything done with a few minutes to spare
  • Make sure you know what time your child needs to leave to be driven, walk, bike, or ride to school.  Practice the routes with your child and remind them daily of safety rules. 

• Having trouble sleeping a night or two before school starts is normal. 
  • Help your child know what to expect by
    • Talking about their feelings-Help them make predictions, practice asking questions to get answers they need or want. 
    • Model the words they may need- Please, Thank you, May I, Where is…, How do I? 
  • Let them know adults get butterflies the night before big days too-share how you feel when you are nervous and what you do to ease your mind!
  • Calmly discuss their fears, no matter how small them may seem.  
    • My daughter said she is nervous about forgetting her friend’s names.  It seems like something small, but to her, it is a big deal  She said she will be embarrassed if she can’t remember.  We talked about how to ask someone their name, ways to remember, etc.  

• Make sure your child knows that they do not have to know everything on the first day.  
  • Other kids don’t know either.  It is not just them.  
  • The teachers of other adults are there to guide, help and answer questions.  It is OK not to know!

• Make sure they get enough sleep and are eating on the same schedule as when in school.  

• Be sure to get lots of physical activity during the day.  This will help them to sleep at night. 

• Pick out an outfit or two before the first day of school.  
  • Try on the outfit before the morning school starts to make sure everything fits right. 
  • Have the outfit laid out the night before.  This will help make the morning run smoother.

• Have your child practice opening their own packaging if they are packing their lunch. Spilled food, frustrating packaging, and having to rush are all stressors for children.  

• Make sure your child can use the restroom and dress independently.  
  • Have your child practice with buttons, zippers, snaps and tying shoes and other clothing items.  

• Make sure your child knows how they will be going home.  
  • The teachers will help make sure they get there but some kids worry all day about it. 
  • Make sure they know if they will be a bus rider, walker, car rider
  • Make sure they know who will be there-either at home to meet the bus, who will be in the car
  • If there is anyone who IS NOT allowed to pick your child up you must speak to the office before the first day of school. 

Again, a big thank you to Oberlin City Schools for helping to make the transition to kindergarten that much smoother.