Preparing Kids for the First Day of School
September 6, 2009 by K12Genie Staff
The first day of school is an exciting day for students, parents, and teachers. As parents, it is important to make sure that your child knows what to expect on their first day so that they are not overwhelmed. After all, this is a day that can affect how students feel about school for the rest of their life.
Tips:
Talk to your child about going to school. Tell them about what they will learn, that they will make friends, stories about when you went to school, and what they can expect to do all day.- Visit the school and meet the teacher with your child so that they become familiar with the environment.
- Meet other parents and students, perhaps even schedule play dates.
- Get your child into a routine the week before school starts by making them go to bed and wake up like they would for a real school day.
- Have a practice school day. Lay out clothes the night before, make sure everything is in their book bag, pack a lunch, wake up early, and have your child do activities like they will do in school.
- Explain how you will pick them up from school and that they should never leave with a stranger.
- Get them excited about school and perhaps give your child something special to reward them for making it to their first day of school.
- Put a small reminder of home in their book bag in case they miss you (perhaps a picture of the family, not anything that can be considered a toy).
- Make sure that they know the basics for their grade level (shapes, letters, tying shoes, etc).
Discover More
- Get Ready for School: Preschool Checklist.
- Safety Mom: Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Back to School Tips.
- Parenting Ideas: Tips for a Great First Day of School.
- Visit the K12Genie Back to School Store at Amazon.
