Kindergarten: A Big Step For Kids and Parents!

Kindergarten is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure! I began my role as an elementary school reading specialist shortly after the birth of my son. I had been a middle school English teacher for many years prior and knew all about the smelliness and hormone changes of 13-year-olds (which might scare you more than kindergarten, but it’s the opposite for me). After conducting a reading group in a kindergarten classroom for 45 minutes a day this past school year, there are a few things I want to share with you as you prepare for the big step of kindergarten for both kids and parents. 

What are the academic expectations?

Kindergarten is a bit different now than it was when you and I started school. Most kindergartens on the Cape are full-day, and academic instruction does take place. Students will have circle time, center time, playtime, and more than one recess. They’ll learn how to share and solve problems, and there will be a big emphasis on being a good friend.

Students will also learn letter names and sounds, they’ll be expected to count and know numbers, and they’ll listen to stories and answer questions about what they heard. These are all things you can do with them at home, too. Make sure to read their teacher’s newsletters and try to reinforce what’s being taught at school, both academically and socially.

What do they really need to bring?

They’ll probably need a lot less than you think. Look out for supply requests from their teacher or school, but they will need some sort of backpack and a reusable water bottle with their name on it. It’s important that they’re wearing sneakers for gym class and recess; cute shoes aren’t necessary. Velcro and slip-on shoes are great if they can’t tie their shoes yet.  They’ll likely be sitting on a carpet, so wearing shorts or leggings with dresses is a good call. Make sure they’re wearing clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Chances are they won’t be in a fully air-conditioned classroom all day, so those first few weeks might be warm.

How can I get them ready?

In the last weeks before school starts, be positive about the upcoming transition and make sure they know what’s coming. They’ve likely been to the school for a screening or an orientation. Definitely go to an orientation if they have one and take them to play at the school playground before school starts. 

Can your child ask an adult for help? They’ll need to be able to do this, so practicing is helpful. Can they go to the bathroom and wash their hands? Make sure to push for independence in these skills before they get to kindergarten. Will they be bringing lunch or ordering one at school? If they order school lunch, they’ll be trying lots of new things for the first time and might not like every meal. Make sure they have an extra snack and read through the menu with them in advance to avoid confusion and tears in the cafeteria.

Enjoy it!

Kindergarten is a big step for our kids, and it’s also a big step for parents! Read the emails, go to the back-to-school nights, and sign up for the parent-teacher conferences. Being involved with your child’s school has many benefits, and elementary school is pretty fun! I never thought I’d be teaching in an elementary school, but I love it! I can’t wait to be involved in my son’s school when the time comes.