It\u2019s overwhelming to be a kindergarten rookie. The good news is that kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are real-life superheroes, standing at the ready to welcome you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a lot to handle for both the parent and child, no question,\u201d says Callie Lecours, a kindergarten-based ECE with the Thames Valley District School Board (and a mother of two). \u201cTry to take a deep breath and know that your child\u2019s teaching team is there to make everyone feel safe and secure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While you\u2019re practicing your calm and composed face for the big send-off, here are some dos and don\u2019ts to help you through the early days (and weeks) of kindergarten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do<\/strong> select a proper-sized backpack to carry all your child\u2019s belongings. \u201cA lunch bag, sweater, soiled clothes and mail bag won\u2019t all fit in a small character backpack,\u201d says Callie. While a larger one might seem massive, your little learner will gain self-confidence from being able to pack it herself. If you\u2019re worried about the weight of it, use a kid-friendly wheeled suitcase instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> buy school supplies unless you receive a list from the teacher. Items like pencils, crayons and notebooks may already be supplied in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> choose lunch containers and packages that your child can open independently. Practice at home in advance, including zipping\/unzipping the lunch bag, opening\/closing the water bottle, and putting any garbage in its proper place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> fall into the trap of buying indoor shoes that are cute and trendy but difficult to fasten. Velcro is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> send an extra set of clothes to be kept at school. \u201cThis is a new experience for them and they may have spills or bathroom accidents in the early going,\u201d Callie says. She suggests sending practical clothes that are easy to put on, along with extra underwear and socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> rely on a comfort object like a toy or stuffed animal to help your child start the school day. Items like this are usually discouraged in the classroom, because they may be damaged or have a distracting effect. Save the idea for show-and-tell or \u201cspecial me\u201d days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> label everything. In kindergarten, there is no such thing as over-labelling. Despite the colourful name plates adorning the room\u2019s hooks and cubbies, it is inevitable that shoes, jackets, hats and other belongings will be jumbled together. By tagging everything with your child\u2019s name, you\u2019re lowering everyone\u2019s stress and preventing things from being lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> get there on time, or even better, a few minutes early. Everyone is nervous already, so cutting it close will raise anxiety levels even further. Organize your morning routine so you have ample time to get to the school and find your child\u2019s line-up area without rushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> linger after you say goodbye. Give him a hug and a cheerful wave as he goes in. Even though you feel like your heart is walking into the school without you, don\u2019t follow him inside or try to peek in the window. It will only make things harder for everyone. Even if your child looked concerned or upset when you parted, trust that he didn\u2019t stay that way all day \u2013 in fact, his tears probably cleared up in less than two minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> know the school policy about kindergarten drop-off and pick-up \u2013 typically, an adult must be present with the child until the \u201chand-off\u201d occurs. Make sure the teachers and ECEs who are on duty at the end of the day are aware of all the relevant people (including grandparents and other caregivers) who may be collecting your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> read every word of the welcome letter that the teacher sends home. It will have useful background information on classroom routines, basic supplies and most importantly, how to contact the teacher if you have questions or concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> overlook the monthly calendar. Put it on your fridge and immediately add any noteworthy dates \u2013 such as theme days, open houses, observation sessions, meet-the-teacher nights or other school events \u2013 to your digital schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDrop-off and Pick-up<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Communication<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n