Starting elementary school is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for a child and his or her entire family! Having a plan to prepare your child and family for any bumps in the road will help to ease fears and adapt to any speed bumps along the way.
Guide to Preparing for Elementary School
Be Prepared with Basic Supplies
When school shopping, what comes to mind first are the pencils, markers and crayons. These are important tools your child will need. There are, however, a few more vital items to consider.
Backpack. Choose one that’s comfortable and appropriately sized for your child. Kindergarteners need a backpack that’s approximately 14” long, which can accommodate a small computer, folders, snack and a change of clothes. Pro Tip: Double check a standard folder fits into the large pocket before purchasing! Anything larger (16” and up), as well as roller backpacks should be purchased for grades 2 and up. Lastly, don’t overlook the need for a side pocket to carry a water bottle in order to avoid spills on papers and electronics.
Lunchbox. Find a lunchbox that will hook to the front of the backpack! It is less likely to be left on the bus this way. Ensure it’s easy to open and clean, can fit a Bentgo box and has a heavy duty handle to carry to the cafeteria.
Water Bottle. A spill-proof bottle is necessary. Find one with a top that latches and a built-in straw for ease of drinking. Screw-top lids spill. Period. End of story. This particular bottle has proven to be indestructible for my three boys. Choose the 16 or 24 ounce option in order to fit in cup holders in the car and pockets of backpacks.
Personal Items. A small pouch with personal items they may need throughout the year can help in sticky situations. Think along the lines of hair ties, a “period pack” for older girls, floss picks, fidget spinner, etc.
Labels. These labels make life a breeze and will help identifying personal items when they inevitably end up in the lost and found pile!
Skills to Practice
As the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect”.
Safety Skills. Teach your child basic safety rules, such as knowing their full name, address, and how to seek help from an adult.
Practice the School Routine. In the weeks leading up to school, practice the morning routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing their backpack and leaving the house on time.
Run up to school a day or two early to practice drop off and pick up. Ensure your child can unbuckle their seat belt in a timely fashion and exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk.
Teach them how to open lunchbox items such as yogurt tubes, milk cartons and latches on take home containers. Remind them what gets thrown away and what returns home to use again!
It never hurts to do a dry run of your intended morning and afternoon routines, including walking to their designated classroom. Schools often welcome families to walk the hallways to ease any fears or anxieties for the child. Don’t be shy about asking!
Individual Responsibilities. Can your kiddo tie their own shoes? If not, equip them with shoes that are easy to put on and buckle. Do they understand they must raise their hand before asking a question? Are they aware of the items that are in their backpack? Show them what must be given to the teacher, put away into their desk and returned home each night. Purchase easy to zip jackets and coats for when the weather turns cold.
Social and Emotional Readiness
The social and emotional readiness is often the part of beginning school parents are most anxious about. Prepare your child with the tools needed to effectively communicate with their peers and teachers so that when hiccups arise, they are equipped to deal with it in a productive manner.
Separation Comfort. Help your child get used to being away from you for extended periods. Talk about school positively and share your excitement about their new adventure. Listen to concerns and reassure them that it’s OK to feel nervous. Share your own experiences of starting school. School counselors are an amazing resource if your child needs extra help getting used to a school setting and will gladly step in to ease their fears.
There’s a number of great books that can help parents explain this new transition, presented in a compelling way. “The Night Before Kindergarten”, “Miss Bingergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” and the “Kissing Hand” are all worth checking out!
Communication Skills. Practice basic manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you.” Encourage them to ask for help when frustrated or confused, teaching them a sense of independence and self awareness. Go through different scenarios that might arise with peers like lunch room discussions or recess disagreements and how to best navigate those when big feelings arise.
Tips for Parents
Adjusting to this new normal can also be hard for parents.
Volunteer. If possible, volunteer at the school to stay engaged with your child’s education and build a sense of community. There’s no greater way to understand how your child is interacting with their peers than to see it first hand in the classroom or on field trips.
Join the PTA. PTA’s are vital to a school’s success. Signing up does NOT commit you to a volunteer position. Your donations, however, do directly impact your student. They help to purchase educational items, support teachers and provide fun events for the community. Your membership usually allows access to a school directory, which is oftentimes the only way to get in touch with parents for birthday parties and playdates, as schools are not legally allowed to give out contact information. Listen to a recent podcast on the importance of joining, being informed and staying connected.
Be Prepared. Read through all of the literature given out by the school and teachers. It will alleviate a lot of stress that pops up in unexpected moments.
Add the school’s attendance line and nurse line to your phone.
It is important to understand how the drop off/pick up line works, the best way to call your child in sick, when and where to pick them up when they have a dentist or doctor’s appointment, and how to properly communicate with the teacher.
Remember to have reasonable expectations when it comes to the teacher’s response! They are very busy during the school day, so allow at least 24 hours before checking in again.
Connect with Other Parents. Form connections with other parents for support, playdates, and sharing experiences.
Starting elementary school is an exciting time filled with new experiences for your child and family. By preparing in advance, establishing routines and fostering independence, you can help ensure a smooth transition. Remember to stay positive, be supportive, and communicate openly with your child and their teacher. With these strategies, you’ll set the stage for a successful and enjoyable year.
