Ninth District Opportunity, Inc.

HOW CAN I HELP EASE THOSE "STARTING SCHOOL JITTERS"?

Enthusiasm is contagious. If you convey your confidence and anticipation, your child is more likely to be comfortable with beginning kindergarten.
Survey new territory. Visit the school with your child before the first official day and try to arrange a meeting with the new teacher.
Find a familiar face. Plan a one-on-one play-date or outing with another child from the class or program before school begins.
Create continuity. Start a daily routine a few weeks before school begins and involve your child in the process of packing his lunch or choosing his clothes.
Prepare yourself. Pay attention to how your child reacts to separation so you'll know what to expect on the first day of school.
Help the child to ease in. If the teacher encourages parents to spend some time in the classroom the first day, you can look around with your child - maybe even talk to the gerbil. But remember to back off and let him/her get involved with the other kids and adults.
Always say good-bye. Be loving but firm as you leave, and never make a child feel foolish about being upset to see you go.

For more information, visit www.naeyc.org.


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HOW CAN I HELP EASE THOSE "STARTING SCHOOL JITTERS"? Enthusiasm is contagious. If you convey your confidence and anticipation, your child is more likely to be comfortable with beginning kindergarten. Survey new territory. Visit the school with your child before the first official day and try to arrange a meeting with the new teacher. Find a familiar face. Plan a one-on-one play-date or outing with another child from the class or program before school begins. Create continuity. Start a daily routine a few weeks before school begins and involve your child in the process of packing his lunch or choosing his clothes. Prepare yourself. Pay attention to how your child reacts to separation so you'll know what to expect on the first day of school. Help the child to ease in. If the teacher encourages parents to spend some time in the classroom the first day, you can look around with your child - maybe even talk to the gerbil. But remember to back off and let him/her get involved with the other kids and adults. Always say good-bye. Be loving but firm as you leave, and never make a child feel foolish about being upset to see you go. For more information, visit www.naeyc.org.