STRAIGHT FROM THE TEACHER’S MOUTH: TIPS FOR PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS by Noel Scott
Preschoolers and Kindergartners: Young children like to know about changes to their daily routine, so talk about what to expect when school starts.
- Make a chart with photographs or pictures to help get them ready for their new morning routine. Preparing your children will help them start school feeling more at ease, and this in turn, will help them develop a good relationship with their teacher.
- Arrange to visit the classroom and meet the teacher with your child. Spending time together in this new environment will help your child feel more comfortable when you are not there. Talking to the teacher one-on-one will help your child begin to feel a connection with the teacher, too. This meeting is also your chance to have individual time with the teacher before school starts. This is the time to find out ways you can help during the school year or offer your special skills or talents. Teachers always appreciate extra help!
- If the teacher does not ask you to complete a questionnaire about your child before school starts, don’t hesitate to write the teacher a letter about your child. The information you share will help the teacher build a relationship with both you and your child.
- Talk with your child about starting school. Be sure to emphasize the positive aspects of this important milestone. Your child may also have concerns or fears.
- Reading books together is a great way to talk about these feelings. Books help children feel comfortable in new situations because they allow them to see how others have dealt with similar experiences. Read books together about going to school. Good choices for preschoolers include: D.W. Goes to Preschool by Marc Brown; Oh My Baby, Little One by Kathi Appelt;The First Day of School by Patricia Relf;The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn; I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas.
