As we approach the back-to-school season, it is important to make sure that your child is properly prepared for the change in their routine. After a long summer, adjusting to the school environment can be difficult. Whether you have a new kindergartner or a seasoned elementary student, take some time to brush up on soft skills and plan for the year ahead.
Starting Kindergarten
Entering kindergarten is a big milestone. For some students, this could be their first time in a classroom setting. Even for former preschoolers, kindergarten is a substantial change in routine. There are new rules to follow, lessons to learn and friends to meet.
To be officially considered “ready for kindergarten,” a child must possess abilities across multiple areas of child development: language skills, general knowledge, approaches to learning, health and physical skills, social and emotional development. Academic and social skills are equally important when it comes to preparing your child for kindergarten.
There are activities you and your child can do at home to develop and reinforce these crucial skills. Child development experts recommend practicing counting or playing games that use numbers. Reading with your child is beneficial for their language development, and depending on the book, can also be a way to introduce and discuss topics such as starting a new school. By giving your child small tasks and chores to do around the house, you are building their independence. Have them dress themself, go to the bathroom alone, and pick up their own toys. Practice fine motor skills they will use in the classroom, like writing with a pencil or cutting with scissors.
For more at-home activities, check out the Kindergarten Readiness Resources on PBS Learning Media. These free worksheets and checklists provide a thorough outline for your kindergarten preparations. You can even make it a game with the interactive activity cards.
Getting Back in the Swing of Things
Even if your child has been to school before, summer break is long enough to forget the day-to-day routines and rules of their school. Additionally, starting a new grade level may mean a completely new set of expectations. By doing these simple tasks and activities, you can make transitioning easier for your child.
Firstly, ensure they are aware and informed of the change in their routine. Take time to discuss what the new school year might mean for them. Do they know their teacher’s name? What time does school start and end? How are they getting to and from? What new experiences might they have in the upcoming year? When your child is confident in the details of a new experience, it will make adjusting easier.
Also, it is helpful to remind your child that school days and summer break days are different. They might be waking up earlier or have less time for breakfast. Before school starts, practice your child’s morning routine with them. Have them build independence by remembering the order of steps themselves. You can use this printable “My Daily Routine” chart to create a visual schedule as well.
PBS Learning Media’s Back to School Collection is full of free resources that address routines and transitions. Watch short clips with your child about being ready for the classroom, or try out this My First Day Activity from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Daniel Tiger also has free printable planner sheets and checklists for the first week back.
