The First Day Of Kindergarten
by: Marie Isabel Espino
The First Day -
The big day is almost here, and although some of our
children are ready and excited about their first day of kindergarten, some of
them may be experiencing or having some worries of their own. It is normal for
children to experience first day of kindergarten jitters and insecurities. Just
like many of us who do not like to be pulled out of our comfort zones the same
goes for our 5-6 year olds. It’s a whole new world for them.
Many children are either comfortable being at home or even in
their daycare surroundings and then all of a sudden just pulled out and placed
into a new environment and then asked to be a “big kid” now. Most children are
used to their daily routines especially if they were normally accustomed to
being with an at home parent. Children now have to face new routines, new
people, new environments and new expectations. There will no longer be familiar
surroundings or faces, especially Mom or Dad, to provide them with that reassurance.
The biggest hurdle will be getting over the separation anxiety that our
children will have on their first day of kindergarten.
First Day of Kindergarten - Don't Worry
But don’t worry. There are many things that parents can do in
order to ease these insecurities and fears that our little ones possess and
make the transition of our first day of kindergarten run smoothly. I say “our”
because it’s Mom and Dad’s first day too. But that’s another story. There is no
reason why the first day of kindergarten should have to be traumatizing and
full of tears.
First Day Of Kindergarten - Tips
The first day of kindergarten does not have to be traumatizing. There are many things that you as the parent can do to
alleviate some of the stress that your child may encounter. Here are some tips:
- Don’t Make the Big Day a Big Deal! – It is in our nature to want to take the video recorder or camera and want to document the big event. I know it might be hard and will be hard for most of you but leave the camcorder and camera at home. All the hype, filming and taking pictures will just help build up the anxiety that is stirring within your little one. Remember that your child is already nervous as it is. It’s just like any adult on his first day on the job. They are already thinking to themselves: what is going to happen today, what will they ask me to do, what if they don’t like me? Try and compare the first day of kindergarten to something that he or she is already familiar with. Try to relate the first day of kindergarten to just another ordinary event such as leaving your child at a birthday party, a play date or day-care.
- Try to Weed Out Some Emotional Fears – Your child might have some emotional fears that you can help with. Discussing with your child some questions that they may have will help so that the stress on the big day won’t be so bad.
What if I get hungry? Don’t
worry. Explain to your child that it is not just him or her, but all of the
children will be given snack times and lunch time. Try to let your child know
that they will be given a snack time and more than likely in side of their
classroom. Let your child choose something that they would like to take and
prepare it the night before or in the morning so that they can be aware of it.
Also let your child choose what they would like for lunch too just in case they
don’t like what is being served in the cafeteria. Include also their favorite
flavored punch or drink and desert.
What if I have an accident?
Let your child know again not to worry. Let him know that many of the
classrooms have either one or two restrooms inside. Let your child know that an
extra set of clothing will be left with the teacher or the nurse. That just in
case they have an accident that it is normal and it might happen but not to worry.
Just too quietly tell the teacher and no one has to know and the teacher will help
them. Again the important point is letting your child know that there is no
need to worry.
What if I hurt myself? Again your main objective
is to let your child know that there is nothing to worry about. Let your child
know that the teacher is always around and someone will always be taking care of
them. That if something should happen; you are the first to know.
Do I have to take a nap?
Yes, but they don’t have to sleep if they don’t want too. Explain to your child
that it is a time for them to rest and relax. Some teachers may read stories or
even play soft music. Try going out and getting your child a blanket with his
favorite character on it so that they can take it to school.
What if I miss you? Explain
to your child that this happens to you all of the time and they are not the
only one. Let them know that you too will miss them. Tell them that you will be ready and waiting
for them when school is over. Parents make sure that whatever you do, you make
it your absolute priority not to be late. You need to pick up your child
at the time you say you will. This will make all the days that follow a lot
easier. You will destroy your child’s trust if you do this.
Any Others? Ask you child
if they have any other questions about going to kindergarten. Just remember to
answer honestly and without hesitation. It’s okay to not know the answer, but
assure them that you will find out and answer their questions. Children are
smart and they can pick up on our body language. Children will wonder why you
are concerned. And if they do not have any questions, then that’s okay. Just
try no to pry too much because this could also stir up anxiety.
- Plan a Visit Before the Big Day – Schedule a visit. Parents should talk to the school and try and schedule a visit with the school/teacher before the actual day. Many schools have a “Meet the Teacher Day”. Try and meet the teacher before hand so that your child is exposed to everything. In these prescheduled visits, the teacher will do most of the work for you. Teachers will show the kids around the classroom and let them become familiar with their new environment and show them some of the “fun things” that they will be doing. Take a tour around the school. Let them see their new environment so that the first day won’t be so overwhelming. Try walking around the school and let them see where their personal belonging will be, where the cafeteria and gym are, and where they will go outside and play.
- Try to Make Friends Before Hand – An idea might be to find out if there is a close friend nearby or a neighbor that might be starting their first day of kindergarten as well. Maybe even a friend from daycare or pre-k. Schedule a couple of play dates ahead of time so that your child can have a friend. If this is not possible then once school starts you can plan a couple of reunions with some of your child’s fellow classmates so that they can get to know each other better.
- Read a Book or Watch a Movie About the First Day – This can help in making a connection with the character. Your child can see that there is nothing to it and help see that the first day of kindergarten is not a big deal. There are many books out there and some of my favorites are: The Jitters, The Kissing Hand and The Night Before Kindergarten
These are some of the many ways that parents and teachers can
work together as a team in order to ease the first day of kindergarten. I hope that you can keep some of these tips in
mind and that I was helpful in your special day – “Our” first day of kindergarten.
