|
The first day of school is one of the most traumatic days for children and teachers. Imagine being in a room with fifteen five year old boys and girls, and no assistant. Now imagine that half of those children are screaming and trying to make a break for the front door. Would you not want to make things easier?
All too often, children under five have not been away from mom and dad long enough to make a smooth transition into the week long, four-seven hour days. So when the first day of school arrives, children are in a state of panic. They are confused and do not understand why their parents are leaving them with a room full of strangers. They are also frightened and have fears that their mom or dad will not come back. Sometimes, this fear can last weeks, even months.
The best way to combat this fear is to slowly introduce your child to the world of preschool a year before kindergarten starts. Preschools allow the parent to choose from any of the following options: half or whole days, one, two three, four, or five day sessions. And the teachers are more than happy to have parental help.
Through a preschool program, children will learn to interact with other children. They also learn to follow set rules and listen to the teacher. They also learn to write their name, recognize letters, cut with scissors, and most importantly, understand that mom and dad will be back to pick them up in a few hours.
If a preschool environment is not an option due to finances, there are other alternatives. Many churches now offer morning bible study sessions, with childcare at no extra cost. There are also play days with the city park and recreations department or local programs such as Mothers of Preschoolers. The best part about these options is that mom gets some much needed away time, while the child gets to interact with other children.
As for as making kindergarten itself a smooth transition, parents can try any of the following options:
1. Make a countdown calendar, marking down the days until the first day of school.
2. Help your child pick out a very special lunch box as well as juice boxes.
3. Go through the closet or head to the local clothing store and pick out an outfit that will be worn on the first day of school.
4. Take your child by the school, during the summer months, so that he can see where he will be going to school.
5. If your child is terrified of the idea and already crying, find out who his teacher is and make an appointment to see the teacher. You can see the teacher during the summer, or a week before school is to start.
6. Take your child out for donuts the morning of the first day of school.
7. Take a little time off work and stay in the classroom for the first half hour of the class, or see about staying the entire day.
8. Before class begins, while everyone is signing in, introduce your child to some of the other classmates.
9. Let your child pick out a small gift for his new teacher.
10. If you cannot stay, pack a note in his lunch box.
| 
