Helping Your Child Adapt To Kindergarten
Attending kindergarten can be really beneficial for kids. They will get used to learning in a formal environment and work on developing their social skills. However, the first few weeks of kindergarten can be a bit of a struggle as children adapt to spending so much time outside the home and away from parents. Here are some ways you can help your child adapt.
Ask them about their day.
Each night when your child gets home from kindergarten, ask them about their day. And don't just ask yes-or-no questions. Ask questions like "what was the most fun thing you did today?" This will give your child an opportunity to bring up any things that are worrying them so that you can talk through their problems and help them find solutions. It will also give your child a chance to reflect on their day in a positive way.
Meet with the teacher.
Kindergarten teachers, especially, tend to be very open to working with and alongside parents. So, during your child's first few weeks of school, arrange to meet with the teacher. If you can do this a week or two in, that's best. During this meeting, you will learn if the teacher has any concerns about your child's progress. You'll learn if your child is struggling in any way, such as if they're having a hard time sitting still during reading time. You can then work to address these problems with your child at home. For instance, you can talk to them about the importance of sitting still and have them practice this at home.
Review what they learned.
Teachers will often send home an outline of what the kids are learning at any particular time. During the first few weeks of kindergarten, it can be really helpful to review these lessons with your child at home. For example, if you find out they are learning the letters, you can review the letters at home. When kids are getting used to kindergarten, they do not always pay as close of attention to the material as they should, so reviewing the information at home helps ensure they don't fall behind.
If you follow the tips above, your child will have an easier time adapting to kindergarten. Before long, their school attendance will become a part of your normal routine and their own. Reach out to a local kindergarten to get more advice.