Prepping for Kindergarten
Ways to help your child adjust to starting school.
Nicola Lyle

If your child is beginning school in September, you are likely feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Starting school is a major transition for children and their parents but there are some steps you can take over the summer to smooth the way.

Preparing the way

• Give your child lots of opportunities to socialize with other children over the summer. Playing and getting along with other children is a fundamental part of kindergarten. So try taking her to a neighourhood playgroup or family drop-in centre or ask your Ontario Early Years Centre about School Readiness programs.

• Attend any kindergarten information sessions offered at your child’s school. These informal evenings give you a chance to meet the school principal and your child’s teacher and take a tour of the school.

• Take your child to visit her school over the summer. Being familiar with the school location and building ahead of time can help young children feel comfortable. School buildings are often open in the weeks just before school starts and (with permission) you can take your child for a short tour of her classroom, the library and the gym.

• If your child will be riding the bus, go through the basics of bus safety with her and explain the importance of following the bus rules. You can also attend a “Safe Rider” program with your child. Call your school board for more information.

• Ask your child’s teacher if she can bring a small comfort object with her in the early weeks of school.

Developing routines

Kindergarten classrooms have daily routines to help children feel safe and secure in their new environment. You can help your child adjust to these routines by adapting them to use at home. Here are some helpful daily routines:

• Read to your child for at least 20-30 minutes each day to prepare him for learning to read. Listening to stories creates a love of books and also helps children to concentrate, an essential skill for school.

• Develop a bedtime routine that allows your child to gradually wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include a bath, stories, cuddles or a nutritious snack. Children this age need 10 to 12 hours of sleep daily.

• Introduce a period of “quiet time” during the day when your child engages in a restful activity, such as looking at books or doing a puzzle.

• Ensure that you have an unhurried morning routine that includes a nutritious breakfast.

• Practise healthy hygiene habits, such as hand washing, teeth brushing and toilet routines.

• Practise tidying up. Encourage your child to put away toys before moving on to the next activity.

Teaching self-help skills

Self-help skills are just as important as ABC’s. Here are some ways to encourage your child’s independence:

• Set aside extra time to let your child dress himself, including doing up buttons and zippers and putting on shoes. Make sure your child’s clothing is not overly complicated or difficult. If your child cannot tie shoelaces, for example, send her to school with slip-ons or shoes with velcro straps.

• Make sure your child can open, pack, and unpack his own book bag. Have him practise putting it on and taking it off.

• If your child will be eating lunch at school, have a picnic with him before school starts. This is a great chance to help him learn how to take lids off containers, and how to make healthy food choices.

Research has shown that parents’ involvement in their child’s school is strongly linked to the child’s success at school. Consider volunteering for the breakfast program, becoming involved in Parent Council or attending school events. Most importantly, develop a partnership with your child’s teacher by sharing important information about your child and being open to new ideas and suggestions. You know your child better than anyone and are a vital part of this exciting next step in his or her life!

Nicola Lyle, M.Ed., is an education coordinator with the Ontario Early Years Centre in Peterborough.