lst Day of School

First Day of School

The first day of school is an important step in your child's life. Experts in child development emphasize that you, the parent, play a crucial role in starting your child off with the self-confidence needed throughout life. This self-confidence is built upon good feelings about parents, school personnel, other children, and himself as a worthwhile human being.

The day your child first goes to kindergarten is an important event - Make it a positive experience! Your greatest gift to your child at this time is your loving support and understanding. Treat going to school as part of the normal course of events. It is something expected of your child and accepted by you. Show understanding and offer encouragement.

Learning to like school and liking to learn are closely related - Your child's first school experience can contribute to a positive attitude toward school in the years ahead. If you show enthusiasm toward the school experience and learning, your child is more likely to look forward to it. Think about your own school experience. In all likelihood, some of the experiences were positive and some were negative. Try to concentrate on the positive aspects of education. At the same time, avoid setting up unrealistic expectations or dictating your child's feelings. Say, "There will be a lot of children to play with," not "You'll love playing with all the children." If your child does not feel the way he thinks he should, he may be disappointed.

Explain what to expect and answer all questions about this new school experience - Ease your child's anxieties by describing in detail what is going to happen when he starts school. If possible, visit the school with your child and talk with the teacher shortly before school begins. Explain the school's schedule, how many days he will attend and how many hours he will be at school each day. If he requires care before and after school, other than home, make certain your child knows the arrangements and visits the child care setting if it will be new to him.

Make transportation plans clear to your child - Prepare your child for the transportation arrangements. If he goes to school by bus, teach him how to identify the bus and the bus number. Explain pick up and drop off points to your child. If possible, drive the route to and from school a few times so your child becomes familiar with the surrounding areas. In general, children should be supervised at the bus stop, especially during the early primary years. If your child walks to school, walk with him or make arrangements to have her accompanied by another parent or responsible older child. Knowing personal information (phone number, address, and parents' full names) is important as your child makes the transition from home to school. (If your child has difficulty remembering personal information, try putting it to music using a familiar tune.)

Create a normal routine at home during the first few days of school - Take an active interest in what your child tells you about school when he comes home. Be a good listener, allowing time to talk about school and people there. Create an atmosphere that encourages your child to talk. Sometimes numerous questions will intimidate a child. Encourage him to share his day by using words like, "Tell me about playing outside today." Pick a topic you know interests your child. Choose a time for conversation when your child is not involved in playing and you have his attention.

Give your child free playtime at home - When your child begins school he will spend his day in a more structured environment, so allow more time at home for free play.

Set up a regular time for homework - Get into the daily habit of turning off the television and going over your child's schoolwork and homework with him. This tells him that his education is important, both to you and to him.

Get involved in your child's school - This tells your child that you value school and that you consider yourself a partner in his education. You can get involved by:

Getting to know your child's teacher. Ask questions freely and share important information about your child.
Attending parent-teacher conferences.
Joining parent-teacher organizations.
Being active in your child's classroom. This includes helping with instruction or becoming a room parent.
Participating in fund-raising and community goodwill projects.
Being active at home to support classroom work. This includes typing, making phone calls, sewing costumes, or making treats. Your child will see your involvement firsthand and can even help out.
Making a single, major contribution to the school. This includes starting a garden, building tables and bookcases, donating paintings or books, or raising money for a specific purchase.
Joining school-based committees that may participate in policy decisions.
Participating in parent education programs if the district provides them.

Support the good things your child has done - There is much to be gained by accenting the positive. Look for the successes and share them.

Spend time with your child - Be available when your child needs you. Be sure to set aside time to talk about school and the happenings of each day. You may see him regress to more immature behavior as he expresses feelings of insecurity, especially during the first couple of months. With support and understanding from you, he will feel more self-confident and secure. Mastering this new challenge is important for his social-emotional growth.

Read books to your child about starting school - There are many books available through the library and at bookstores dealing with starting kindergarten, separation anxiety, making new friends, and experiencing new things.

Remember to:

Be positive.
Be open to opportunities for your child to bring up questions or concerns.
Set up and try out new routines.
Try to accompany your child to school on the first day or follow the routine outlined by the school.
Give your child a transitional object such as a picture to remind him of you.
Say goodbye and then leave promptly (do not sneak out).

Your child's first school experiences can affect his attitude toward education for a long time. Helping to make them positive will pay off big dividends down the road. You, your child, and your child's school are partners in his education. Remember, you are still his most important teacher!