As we start off our new year, here are some tips that you might also find useful about children and how they may adjust to school:
It's great to be excited but don't "overtalk" about school. For some children highlighting the first day of kindergarten as a really big deal makes them more nervous than they already are. Instead of fussing, try an alternate experience that is like Kindergarten such as going to a play day, child's event or early years centre. Or remind them of an experience that may be similar such as going to dance class. Just like that experience, remind your child that s/he will learn new names and meet new children.
After a day of school, try not to ask your child too many questions immediately when they get home. Initially your child may be exhausted, emotionally and physically from the busy day. Try and space out your questions so as not to overwhelm your child. Beginning with a simple question such as "What activity centres did you enjoy at school today?" or "Did you have gym or library today?" "Who did you play with today?". The more specific the question, the more likely you are to get an answer. The typical answer of any child who is asked "what did you do at school today?" is NOTHING! Trust me, in Kindergarten we are too busy to do "NOTHING".
Connect school to home. Bring your child with you to all events that happen before school including parent interviews. Even if you cannot attend a special events night at school such as Wednesday Sept 21, 5:30 -7:00 pm Meet the Staff Night, feel free to ask another family member to bring your child such as an Aunt, Uncle, or Grandparents! Showing your child that you value school and are a part of the King Edward Community will only enhance your child's sense of belonging.
Read books together about starting school. Reading about other children who might have fears and anxiety about starting school may be comforting to kids who are experiencing the same feelings. Your local library has lots of books that are geared to this subject.
Try to minimize your own anxiety. Just as it's perfectly normal for your child to feel some anxiety on the first days of kindergarten, it's absolutely normal for you to feel anxious when you see your child upset or when a life change like your child starting school occurs. If this is your first child starting school or your "baby" finally going to school, it can be easy to get emotional yourself. Often children can "pick up" on anxiety from a parent so try to keep your emotions at bay. Make goodbyes short and sweet at the door - remember that "a quick good bye leads to a dry eye!" for all concerned.
Some children do have tough time separating. This is very common. Some children are fine in September and then in October, regress back to tears. Don't let this alarm you. It's also understandable that you may experience some frustration when you see other children playing happily in the classroom while yours is still clinging for dear life to your legs. Please be assured that with time, this only gets better. But please be sure to be consistent and insist that your child is going to school. One day kept home due to anxiety can often lead to a pattern of "I won't" go behaviour for many children so please be consistent with sending your child to school (except of course in times of illness). With children, it is truly all about routine.
Send along a favourite comfort object or reminder of you. If your child has a favourite stuffy (e.g., blanket, stuffed animal) send it along the first few days. We will ask children to keep their object in their backpack unless needed to help through a transition period. Sometimes having a favourite comfort object nearby helps provide children with a sense of security. Another wonderful item is a mini photo album filled with pictures of your family and home.
Don't put a time limit on how long it should take for anxiety to pass. For some children, first day anxiety may not last beyond a few days if it happens at all. For others, tears and school fears may go on for weeks. Just as each child has his or her own individual set of experiences and personality, the time it takes to adjust to school will vary from one child to another.
Don't hesitate to talk to me! I am here to help make your family's transition to full day, alternate day kindergarten as smooth as possible. My classroom is always open for you to stop and say hello before or after school. I always appreciate the opportunity to help both you and your child!
Happy September!
Mrs. Stefani
