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Special Education Blog

Sep 3, 2010

Posted in: Blog

The Big Day is finally approaching. Much preparation has gone into preparing for The First Day of Kindergarten by parents, children, and teachers that marks the start of an educational journey. Congratulations! You have mush to look forward to.

The first few days may seem endless as you make your way through school calendars, lunch menus, lunch envelopes and residency information. I would recommend that families identify a special, safe place for school forms and communication coming from school and identifying what needs to be returned in a timely manner. A big, colored envelop clipped to the refrigerator is sometimes easy to see or find.

If parents are able to bring their children to or from school the first day, visiting the classroom helps you ask questions later about your child’s day. You might be able to ask if your child sat on the carpet squares for circle time, or played with the building blocks. Children love to share their day. I have also found that asking specific questions about the day is easier for children to respond to than asking a generic question such as, “How was your first day today?”

Some children may be overwhelmed the first few days until they begin to learn the routines and expectations. When they share their day and express hesitation or worry. Try to listen for the real reason for their distress. Ask your children if the problem is something they think they can talk to their teacher about or is it something they need your help with. Some children need to vent and talking it out helps them make sense of their new world and feelings, and they do not really want your help; they just want someone to listen and to know that even though they have a new environment to adjust to, home will continue to be safe and constant.

My last piece of advice involves parent involvement. If possible, I would encourage parents to become a classroom volunteer or join the PTO or PTA. School is a wonderful place to build new relationships and friendships. Everyone has a special talent to share, no matter how simple it is.

Happy Kindergarten and have a great year!

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