Change can be scary for some children who are stuck in a routine, and while some kids can’t wait to start kindergarten, others are filled with anxiety and fear at the thought of leaving mom’s side and flat-out refuse to go.
And in the weeks before the first day of school, those feelings often get magnified, however, the way you handle the situation now while there’s time to prepare will make all the difference in making kindergarten a fun experience rather than a traumatizing one.
Take a look at the four things to start doing this summer to prep your kids for the first day of kindergarten this fall:
4. Socialize: Kindergarten is the start of your child’s schooling, however, children learn more about social and communication skills than anything else, which is why it’s important to use the summer before socializing your child with other kids their age instead of having them perform the ABCs nonstop. By working on your child’s ability to play with others, follow directions, and cooperate, kindergarten won’t be so challenging for your child.
3. Visit The School: Not only will it make your child uneasy to hear that they are being sent off to some scary place they’ve never been to, but you’ll also be uncomfortable with leaving your child behind in an unfamiliar place. If the school has an orientation for students, take your little one along to see their new classroom, the cafeteria, and even the restrooms. If not, take a walk around the school and point out everything including the giant new playground they’ll get to play on every day during recess.
2. Practice The Basics: Some kids are afraid of not being prepared for class or not knowing what other kids know. To help, practice some of the basics that they’ll need to know like counting, the alphabet, and writing. They don’t have to perfect any of these skills, but it will help them to know what to expect.
1. Don’t Force It: Preparing for Kindergarten is a delicate task, as not preparing at all can make them feel terrified of the upcoming first day, yet prepping too hard will take the fun out of learning and make it feel like a punishment. Simply introduce them to new topics with enthusiasm, and let them decide if they are interested.
For example, instead of forcing a child to practice writing letters, offer to show them how. If they don’t seem interested, have them practice opening mail, coloring, or tying shoes, which develop fine motor skills and is the key to learning to write.
What else have you been doing to prepare for the first day of kindergarten? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE this with other parents on Facebook.
[Featured image: ParentsCountry]
4 Things You Should Be Doing To Prep Your Child For Kindergarten This Fall is an article from: LifeDaily