It’s your child’s first day of school – but are you ready?! Here are a few thing you want to keep in mind when preparing to send your new student off to school for the first time.

One to two weeks before school starts

Enrollment

You should fill out any necessary enrollment paperwork in advance and make sure that you have your kid’s up-to-date immunization records upon registration. You may be given the option to choose between a full or half-day class schedules. Obtain a school supply list early on to get the best deals (this is also the perfect time to get some fun school gear such as personalised backpacks and pencil cases.

Orientation

All schools provide an extensive orientation for new Kindergarteners and parents. Attend these events with your kid, as they will be shown their classroom, meet their new teacher, be taught how to get on and off the bus, advised of hallway rules and get to know their new classmates in a practice lesson.

How to prepare the night before and just prior to the first day

Parent Support

The first day of school for Kindergarteners lasts usually only half a day, which can be inconvenient for a working parent. Plan ahead with your employer to get an adjusted schedule for that important mile stone in your kid’s life, or take the day off. You should be home on your child’s special day, so that you can support your child before and after their first day at school; beforehand, to provide encouragement, and afterward, to share all the new happenings in class for a great bonding experience.

A Good Night’s Sleep

A good night’s sleep before the first day of school is imperative. Of course all the excitement won’t help to get the kids into bed any sooner, but setting up a certain bedtime and get-up schedule a couple of weeks before school starts, if not previously enforced, is a highly encouraged!

The first Day of School

A Good breakfast

Science has taught us that a healthy and nutritious breakfast is important, and students who eat a good breakfast every morning are better learners. If a breakfast at home is not convenient, remember that most schools provide a breakfast at a small fee.

School bus rules

Riding the school bus with new friends is a whole new adventure for your Kindergartener. But there are rules. Your bus driver will give your child a print-out of rules that have to be followed, along with consequences for disregarding them. You are required to go over these rules with your child, and then have them and yourself sign an acknowledgement. Make sure not to skip this, because there is a zero tolerance policy for the safety of the students and the bus driver.

Separation Anxiety

No Drama

When it comes to separating from their beloved parents and siblings before class starts, tears often start falling. You better have a tissue ready. You may need one too, because seeing your child taking this important step in life may stir up a lot of emotions that can be overwhelming at that moment. Be prepared to say your good-byes quickly and to not show your own emotions until after you have left the class room. It can be hard, but it will prevent a scene and the teacher will quickly gain your child’s attention with their kid-friendly curriculum.

New Friends

New friends are probably one of the best enticements to get your kid to want to go to school and also enjoy their time there. If you already know the parents of your kid’s new classmates, setting up some play dates before school starts, can be very helpful and can make separation anxiety less of an issue when the first day of school arrives.

Student-Teacher Experience

New authority figure(s) – teacher(s)

You have left, and the teacher is alone with 2 dozen new protégés. How’s that going to work? Once again, preparation is the key. The teacher knows that a Kindergartner doesn’t have a long attention span, but a huge imagination. She will use that to make your child’s day as much fun and as productive as possible. It’s not just play anymore, but the teacher will use stories and games to teach rules such as paying attention, being quiet when another person speaks, raising your hand and waiting your turn. You can help the teacher in advance by teaching the same rules before your kid starts school. It will benefit both you and the teacher to use the same rules and guidelines at home and in school.

Yes, it can all be a bit stressful at first, but if you follow my advice, the first day of school will be a fun experience for both you and your child!

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