Well, it's report time and I'm happy doing almost anything else but completing them (don't tell my Co-ordinators)! Hence this post! And, writing a final report also means that I'm about to say goodbye to an incredible little class who I love and adore. Where are the tissues??!!
Yes, I'm currently riding the emotional rollercoaster that many a Kindergarten Teacher has experienced, between accepting that another wonderful first year of 'big' school is almost over for my current little treasures versus the excitement and wonder of meeting a new group of little people that are about earn a special place in my heart. The latter is the inspiration for this post.
Please know that below is simply my own thoughts, based on my experience as a Kindergarten Teacher as well as having had two of my own children navigate the world of Kindergarten. None of the below is actually necessary for your child to be able to do to start Kindergarten, however, you may find the following useful in making the transition from pre-school to school more seamless.
Lunchbox Practise
Lunchboxes can be tricky and a source of great frustration for a little person. Your little people are so used to being served up morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks, on demand. And so, when it comes time for fruit break, recess and lunch, your little people are usually starving and almost, what I believe people have termed, 'Hangry' (hungry and angry) and so not being able to open a lunchbox quickly, when you are starving can result in tears. Why not serve up morning tea or lunch at home in your pre-schooler's lunch box. This will give your pre-schooler practise at opening and closing their lunchbox.
Food and Food Packaging
Similarly to lunchboxes, peeling fruit like bananas and mandarins and opening food packaging is also tricky for little fingers. If you intend on packing a sandwich in a sandwich keeper or glad wrap, then similarly to above, serving lunch this way provides an opportunity for practise. Opening food in packaging can be made easier by putting small cuts at the top for easier tearing and the same goes for bananas and mandarins.
School Bag
To start with, most school bags are nearly as big as your Kindergarten child! And in some cases there is no end to the zippers and secret pockets included in modern day school bags. If you happen to acquire your school bag before the first day of school, a bit of practise opening and closing the zip is always advantageous. Don't forget to add a special tag or ribbon to help your child to identify their bag amongst the hundreds of other identical bags. Oh, and don't forget to tell your child what special thing you have put on the bag to help them find their own...yes, I have spent many a recess asking, "Is it the one with the pink teddy bear? No, ok, what about the one with the lady bug?" And so on.
School Uniform
This is particularly pertinent for parents of boys! Believe it or not, 4, 5 and 6 year olds often become so preoccupied with what is taking place around them that they forget about things like needing to go to the toilet until they are practically busting! Trying to undo a tight or stiff button when you are busting is not fun! Avoid near misses and accidents by making sure that your child can undo their button on their shorts or trousers.
School Shoes
Blisters and sore feet are the pits when you are just trying to make it through the day so you can see your Mum and Dad again for a big cuddle. If you have the opportunity, let your child wear their shoes around the house a few times before the 'BIG' day.
While we are on the topic of school items, can I just say please LABEL everything! Please! For the sanity of Kindergarten Teachers all over the world. AND to help you in keeping a healthy bank balance, in not having to replace these items when lost. AND, surprisingly, a clearly labelled hat can make or break someone's day (Teacher and child). Truth! I have seen it happen!
Name Writing
Although not essential, this can be helpful. If your child is interested in learning to write their name, make writing time fun by using jumbo chalk, writing in sand, salt trays or shaving foam, having your child create their name out of play-doh, painting with water outside on the driveway...there are tons of ways to be creative!
Play Dates
Most school orientation programs provide the opportunity for the incoming Kindergarten cohort to connect through planned social outings. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the parents and carers of the children that you will be journeying with throughout your child's schooling life. What a great opportunity to get connected! Play dates are another great way to help your child connect with their peers. These activities will also help your child have a familiar face on the first day of school - always a good thing!
Love Them
I say this, hoping that you realise that this is the MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL! Just LOVE them and LOVE on them like crazy. I get it, you might be absolutely almost tearing your hair out thinking I can't wait for them to go to school, but this is a time you will never get back. It might be your first child, your second child, your 7th child and anywhere in between or after. Just LOVE them and enjoy this moment, for they will soon be leaving your side to embark on an amazing and exciting journey!
Yes, I'm currently riding the emotional rollercoaster that many a Kindergarten Teacher has experienced, between accepting that another wonderful first year of 'big' school is almost over for my current little treasures versus the excitement and wonder of meeting a new group of little people that are about earn a special place in my heart. The latter is the inspiration for this post.
Please know that below is simply my own thoughts, based on my experience as a Kindergarten Teacher as well as having had two of my own children navigate the world of Kindergarten. None of the below is actually necessary for your child to be able to do to start Kindergarten, however, you may find the following useful in making the transition from pre-school to school more seamless.
Lunchbox Practise
Lunchboxes can be tricky and a source of great frustration for a little person. Your little people are so used to being served up morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks, on demand. And so, when it comes time for fruit break, recess and lunch, your little people are usually starving and almost, what I believe people have termed, 'Hangry' (hungry and angry) and so not being able to open a lunchbox quickly, when you are starving can result in tears. Why not serve up morning tea or lunch at home in your pre-schooler's lunch box. This will give your pre-schooler practise at opening and closing their lunchbox.
Food and Food Packaging
Similarly to lunchboxes, peeling fruit like bananas and mandarins and opening food packaging is also tricky for little fingers. If you intend on packing a sandwich in a sandwich keeper or glad wrap, then similarly to above, serving lunch this way provides an opportunity for practise. Opening food in packaging can be made easier by putting small cuts at the top for easier tearing and the same goes for bananas and mandarins.
School Bag
To start with, most school bags are nearly as big as your Kindergarten child! And in some cases there is no end to the zippers and secret pockets included in modern day school bags. If you happen to acquire your school bag before the first day of school, a bit of practise opening and closing the zip is always advantageous. Don't forget to add a special tag or ribbon to help your child to identify their bag amongst the hundreds of other identical bags. Oh, and don't forget to tell your child what special thing you have put on the bag to help them find their own...yes, I have spent many a recess asking, "Is it the one with the pink teddy bear? No, ok, what about the one with the lady bug?" And so on.
School Uniform
This is particularly pertinent for parents of boys! Believe it or not, 4, 5 and 6 year olds often become so preoccupied with what is taking place around them that they forget about things like needing to go to the toilet until they are practically busting! Trying to undo a tight or stiff button when you are busting is not fun! Avoid near misses and accidents by making sure that your child can undo their button on their shorts or trousers.
School Shoes
Blisters and sore feet are the pits when you are just trying to make it through the day so you can see your Mum and Dad again for a big cuddle. If you have the opportunity, let your child wear their shoes around the house a few times before the 'BIG' day.
While we are on the topic of school items, can I just say please LABEL everything! Please! For the sanity of Kindergarten Teachers all over the world. AND to help you in keeping a healthy bank balance, in not having to replace these items when lost. AND, surprisingly, a clearly labelled hat can make or break someone's day (Teacher and child). Truth! I have seen it happen!
Name Writing
Although not essential, this can be helpful. If your child is interested in learning to write their name, make writing time fun by using jumbo chalk, writing in sand, salt trays or shaving foam, having your child create their name out of play-doh, painting with water outside on the driveway...there are tons of ways to be creative!
Play Dates
Most school orientation programs provide the opportunity for the incoming Kindergarten cohort to connect through planned social outings. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the parents and carers of the children that you will be journeying with throughout your child's schooling life. What a great opportunity to get connected! Play dates are another great way to help your child connect with their peers. These activities will also help your child have a familiar face on the first day of school - always a good thing!
Love Them
I say this, hoping that you realise that this is the MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL! Just LOVE them and LOVE on them like crazy. I get it, you might be absolutely almost tearing your hair out thinking I can't wait for them to go to school, but this is a time you will never get back. It might be your first child, your second child, your 7th child and anywhere in between or after. Just LOVE them and enjoy this moment, for they will soon be leaving your side to embark on an amazing and exciting journey!
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