Create a Routine before starting Kindergarten
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As I write this, many children are heading to school in a different time as anyone before them. We are in the middle of a pandemic. I have mixed feelings about sending my own children to school but that is for another blog. The following are just a series of steps that will help to create an effective and efficient morning routine for yourself and your child. It is NOT covid related (even though the picture above is). Now let’s get started.
“...I still remember the first day of Kindergarten. He was excited and nervous all at the same time. ”
My oldest is now going into Grade 1 this year and I still remember the first day of Kindergarten. He was excited and nervous all at the same time. Before this, he went to a preschool program for only half day, one day a week. My palms were sweaty and I can feel my heart beating through my chest. My son held my hand tight and looked at all the children that would be his future playmates. There were many parents just like me that had the same emotions and you can tell which ones were dropping off either their first into Kindergarten or their only.
I had a newborn and a toddler in tow, alongside my newly Kindergartner. I remember thinking to myself that I had to be strong because crying now would only intensify any apprehension he may have. So I did my best to hold back tears and let my little one just soak up this momentous day in his life. The bell rang and just like that the children were called to say good-bye and line up. Tears were everywhere. Parents were crying, children were crying. My son didn’t even look back. ‘Success’ I thought.
“Tears were everywhere. Parents were crying, children were crying. My son didn’t even look back. ‘Success’ I thought”
Before this occasion, I did a lot of research on how to successfully get your child prepared for Kindergarten. Now, success will look differently for every parent and child. For me, success was my child confidently venturing off without a hitch. What steps can you take to help your child familiarize their new role as a Kindergarten student? Let’s get right into it:
Each week starting the first week of August, wake up earlier. If your child is used to sleeping at 10 pm, start putting them to bed 30 minutes earlier first week of August, then another 30 minutes the second week of August, and so forth. Create a morning routine that works for you, and works for them.
Figure out a system. Set out clothes the night before or in the morning. Give your children their own hook and cubby like school so they can start placing a backpack in appropriate place and their shoes in the appropriate place. This may take a few tries to get it right so the month to try out a few scenarios.
Allow 30 minutes allowance to your schedule. Trust me, you will thank me for this.
Walk to school at the time needed to walk. Start this morning routine about 2 weeks before schools starts so that your child can adapt to this new routine. If they are taking the bus, walk them to the bus stop. If you are driving, drive to the school. There’s a few reasons to do this. Firstly is to get your child used to the routine. Secondly, is to get you used to the routine and see what works and what doesn’t.
Last two weeks practice putting on shoes, hats, backpacks, and so forth. Practice opening snacks and having lunch sitting at a table. It’s also important to have your child try a few tupperware containers so that you can see which ones work and which ones do not.
At the beginning of August, it is good to practice writing their name and having their name printed on items so that they can recognize it. If they don’t know how to write their by school, that is ok. You have helped them how to learn to write and hold a pen. Circles and lines are fine at this stage. The teachers will be able to work with your child throughout the school year.
Practice circle time and sing-songs. (OPTIONAL) You can find a carpeted spot on the floor of have your child just sit on a pillow on the floor for some stories, songs, and show and share to mimic circle time in class. Also not, a must but a good plus.
Read books and watch shows about going to school for the first time that are age appropriate. Keep the conversation open for your child to ask questions.
Here are some books we recommend to use and practice with. These are great for anytime. Doesn’t just have to before starting school:
Usbourne Books has an amazing collection of very nice graphic books. I really love their wipe clean books. Here’s a list of amazing ones:
“All The Words You Need to know Before You Start School”
Order through the book: “Click Here“
Buy the book: Click here!
Buy it here! Wipe-Clean Workbook
Buy it here!Numbers Tracing Book
In addition, I wanted to add what some other moms have said about their kids starting Kindergarten and get extra advice that I never thought about.:
“Allow your child to have mental health days. As adults we all need a break once and awhile from work and regular routine so why not allow your child to have the same. We allowed our son random days off from school when needed. For example if our son woke up and was having a rough morning we would keep him home. We would still do small learning activities throughout the day with him“ Kora
“ It will be hard. For parent and child. I am a SAHM so anytime my little was having a tough time leaving, I would happily keep them home for a day if needed and ready to try again the next day.“ Stacey
Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading! I hope this blog helps you and your child get ready for this stage of life. Comment below on what you plan on implementing or anything you would like to add!
