PARENT CORNER – FIRST TIME KINDERGARTNER!
This month’s Parent Corner is dedicated to “first-time Kindergartners”.
Though children are excited and are waiting for the first day to school, yet there is an unease built in them for unknown fear of what they might have to face. In many cases even if children have been in a full-time daycare yet they encounter a bunch of challenges such as the shock of the bigger physical building, gathering of a huge group of children in the assembly every morning, bell-ringing system, announcements, meeting older kids in the hallway, bathroom and on the playground etc. All these put together makes adjustment difficult because young children are used to relying on their parents and primary caregivers.
To make an easy and smooth transition from daycare to kindergarten it is important to prepare children about ‘change of routine’ which means they must sleep early to wake up early, must eat breakfast quickly to be able to reach ‘big school’ before the bell rings, etc. Also talk about protecting their belongings, listening to the bell, eating lunch at lunch break, making new friends, etc.
Although most schools offer orientation and play day with new classmates, it is a good idea to visit the school closer to the ‘big day’ and arrange to show the child route to the bathroom from his class, re-introduce his class teacher and tour the playground.
Sometimes a transitional object such as a stuffy toy or small blanket that the child finds comfort proves helpful in the new environment. Let children know the safe spot to be at, in case you are running late to pick up.
Finally, we hope your child will settle well in the kindergarten and will fondly remember his first day to school and will laugh out loud when he grows older.
