Healthy Kids
8 ways to start preparing your child for kindergarten now
02 February 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
While many parents start preparing their child for their first day of full-day kindergarten in July or August, there are a few things they can start doing now to make the upcoming transition to school easier for their child.
Here are 8 ways parents can support their soon-to-be kindergartener and guarantee a strong and exciting start to the school year in September:
One of the most common problems that arises in junior kindergarten students in September is separation anxiety. Leaving Mom and Dad behind while entering a new environment can be extremely stressful and emotional for children. Give your child opportunities to interact with kids their age before school starts – either at a community program, the library or even a play date with friends. These opportunities also give your child a chance to practice being away from you for an extended period of time.
Teach your child to get dressed on their own and practice opening and closing their knapsack and lunch bag without your assistance. Ensure they can use the toilet independently and recognize when they need to wash their hands.
Reading is the most important activity you can do to help your child develop literacy skills and become a lifelong learner.
Many activities in kindergarten requires fine motor skills. Have your child practice holding crayons, pencils and using scissors to develop the muscles required for these activities.
Be a role model and let your child hear you say please, thank you, hello and goodbye often. Having good manners shows children the value of being thoughtful and considerate of others.
Encourage your child to clean up after playing, care for their belongings and take responsibility for their actions.
To familiarize your child with their new school, stop by the schoolyard and spend some time exploring the playground.
Discuss what a typical day at school will look like for your child and what types of things they will do there. If your child will be enrolled in a before or after school care program, get them familiar with their new surroundings by either visiting or talking about it.
Beginning kindergarten is an exciting time for your child and you and these are just some of the ways you can help them prepare for this important milestone.
Here are 8 ways parents can support their soon-to-be kindergartener and guarantee a strong and exciting start to the school year in September:
1. Develop Social Skills
One of the most common problems that arises in junior kindergarten students in September is separation anxiety. Leaving Mom and Dad behind while entering a new environment can be extremely stressful and emotional for children. Give your child opportunities to interact with kids their age before school starts – either at a community program, the library or even a play date with friends. These opportunities also give your child a chance to practice being away from you for an extended period of time.
2. Foster Independence
Teach your child to get dressed on their own and practice opening and closing their knapsack and lunch bag without your assistance. Ensure they can use the toilet independently and recognize when they need to wash their hands.
3. Read Every Day
Reading is the most important activity you can do to help your child develop literacy skills and become a lifelong learner.
4. Develop Fine Motor Skills
Many activities in kindergarten requires fine motor skills. Have your child practice holding crayons, pencils and using scissors to develop the muscles required for these activities.
5. Teach Them Good Manners
Be a role model and let your child hear you say please, thank you, hello and goodbye often. Having good manners shows children the value of being thoughtful and considerate of others.
6. Help Them Learn About Responsibility
Encourage your child to clean up after playing, care for their belongings and take responsibility for their actions.
7. Visit the School Often
To familiarize your child with their new school, stop by the schoolyard and spend some time exploring the playground.
8. Talk About What Will Change in September
Discuss what a typical day at school will look like for your child and what types of things they will do there. If your child will be enrolled in a before or after school care program, get them familiar with their new surroundings by either visiting or talking about it.
- Learn more about YMCA’s Before and After School Care program for kindergarten students.
Beginning kindergarten is an exciting time for your child and you and these are just some of the ways you can help them prepare for this important milestone.
