Starting School Washington DC

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Here are some tips to make starting school a success:

School visits

Starting school is a huge change, and some children cope with change better than others (parents too!).

• Ensure that you have had a number of visits to the school. School visits help your child to understand what school will actually be like. As well as visiting during the day, try and visit after school when the children have gone but you are still able to look around the classroom, the cubbies, the cafeteria, library, gymnasium and the bathrooms.
• Prior to your final school visit, get your child to come up with some questions that you could ask the teacher. Remember at this stage, school is all about having FUN!
• Try not to show your apprehension as children often sense their parents fears.

Here are some practical things to consider prior to the big day:

School bag and drink bottle

• Check out the options available for your kindergartner during lunch and recess time (some kindergartners do half days and do not need a school lunch). Do they have lunch in the cafeteria? What amount of time is allotted for lunch at the school? How long is recess? You may need to provide lunch for your child. If this is the case, buy a new school bag, lunch box and drink bottle. (Or ask family/friends to get them for birthday presents.)
• Choose your child’s school bag carefully. Try and get a medium-sized backpack that has a well-padded back and straps. Make sure it’s easy to open.
• Try and keep the bag load to approximately 10-15% of their total bodyweight.
• Check and see if there are orthopedic manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Remember that themed school gear dates quickly, go for generic favorite colors.
• Label the inside of the backpack (not the outside – for personal safety reasons).
• When choosing a lunch box and drink bottle, think about how easy it will be to clean and to open.
• Name the lunch box and drink bottle with permanent markers or waterproof labels.
• Talk about possible lunches/snacks for their lunch box. Maybe have a lunch/snack "rehearsal" at home.
• Go shopping and buy some special treats. Talk to them about the need to have healthy food to eat during the day for energy and brain power.
• Try and limit their drinks to water or juice. Encourage them to drink lots throughout the day and stay hydrated.
• Practice opening packets and containers. Talk about who they could go and see if they are unable to open something. Discuss what they should do with their trash.

Clothing

• You want your child to feel confident and happy on their first day, so plan what they are going to wear.
• Make sure the clothes they are wearing to school are child-friendly. Are they easy to put on and remove? Are there tricky zippers or buttons?
• Ensure their shoes are easy to put on and remove.
• Check with the school regarding the need for a sun hat and change of clothes.
• If they have a uniform, count yourself lucky!
• Again, label them clearly.

Other things to consider

• Decide on a place where you will pick your child up at the end of the day.
• Most schools will provide you with a list of stationary and other items you need to purchase. These lists may include some interesting items such as hand sanitizer, white board markers, scissors and tissues! Ask for the list well in advance so that you take advantage of any sales.
• Check to see what items will be included in the school fees (for example, nap mats).
• If possible, schedule some playdates with other children who will be in your child’s class. Familiarity with others with help with his transition.
• Ensure you are ready the night before. Get up early and try to not rush them on their first morning. Leave time and avoid exit stress.
• Last but not least!
• Ensure that you are positive about your child starting kindergarten. They will be watching you for clues as to how they should be coping with this big milestone in their life.

Here is what some kindergarten teachers had to say to parents

Carol says "Relax and keep calm. We are trained to work with this special age group and we will assess your child’s needs, both emotionally and academically. When we give you the ‘signal’ that it is time to go, make a happy, positive farewell and leave, QUICKLY! Don’t come back. If your child gets upset, remember that most children settle a few minutes after their parent has gone."

Fleur suggests  "I am always interested in how different children cope with the start of school. Many find it easy, others have delayed separation anxiety a few days later. Each child is different, so I would recommend that parents prepare their children as best they can, then if problems persist, speak to the teacher and try out some new strategies for success."

Read article at SixtySecondParent.com

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