Summer is in full swing, but Back to School is soon approaching! Sales have started, registrations have opened, and now it is time to prepare our five-year-olds to enter school. For some, this may be a seamless transition, but for others, it is a big change and decision. Just like back-to-school shopping, you don't want to wait to prepare for this transition until the last minute. Make sure your child (and you) are ready to walk into their classroom confident and excited! Here are some tips and tricks to help ensure your child feels ready for their 8-hour day!
This article is brought to you by The Learning Experience Wyomissing- your local childcare facility that offers fun, hands-on activities throughout early education to help children develop intellectually, socially and cognitively.
1. Encourage Independence
Create a system to help make your mornings less stressful. Pick out outfits for the week and place them in designated spots to allow your child to know where their outfit is. Give them extra time to dress themselves. While it may be easier (and faster) to help them, remember they will need to be more independent at school!
2. Bathroom Independence
Ensure your child is confident using the bathroom alone. Unless it’s an emergency, they should be able to manage without assistance. Wiping can be tricky, so practice with your child to prevent any embarrassing accidents at school.
3. Visit the School/ Playground
Familiarize your child with their new school. Drive to the school, walk around, and show them the main entrance, drop-off lane, and playground. Visit as often as needed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the principal for a tour!
4. Practice Eating from Lunchbox
Adjusting to set eating times can be a challenge. Keep their lunch and snacks in their lunchbox over the summer to help them get used to opening and closing bags and containers. Implement scheduled times for meals to prepare them for school’s structure. Not having endless snacks is an adjustment for anyone!
5. Connect with Other Families
Many districts offer summer programs that provide opportunities for children and families to mingle at various schools and parks. This helps kids meet other incoming kindergartners, school staff, and connect with the community. Reach out to your district or PTA for details on what’s available!
6. Participate in Age Appropriate Activities
Engage your child in structured activities, such as library programs in Berks County. These programs encourage children to sit in designated spaces, use indoor voices, raise their hands, and follow simple directions.
7. Know their Full Name, Phone Number(s), and Address(es)
This is good to know for obvious reasons! Practice at home one piece at a time.
8. Talk About School- Frequently!
Discuss what their day will look like and what to expect so they feel comfortable as the big day approaches. You can role-play school at home to make it fun and engaging—let your child be the teacher!
9. Ask ALL the Questions
It’s normal for parents to be anxious about the transition to kindergarten. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Request a social story about the school, set up a tour, ask about meeting the teacher, and learn about safety guidelines and the school calendar. You’re their parent—ask away!
10. Know Your Options!
If your child is eligible for kindergarten but not ready, explore your options. Legally, children don’t have to be enrolled in school until age 6. Consider preschool, PreK, half-day kindergarten, cyber school, or homeschooling. Education doesn't have to fit one mold—do what works best for your family!
Remember, this first big step in education doesn't have to be permanent. If your choice doesn’t feel right long term, you can always change it later. Focus on the present, prioritize your child's needs, and make the best decisions for now.
Parents and caregivers—you’ve got this, and you’re doing great!
Best of luck in this new season!
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