The first day of kindergarten marks the beginning of your child’s formal education. Understandably, this day can bring a range of emotions for children and parents alike.
Your little one may feel excited, nervous, or even scared about starting something new and being away from home. As a parent, you may also have concerns about how they’ll adjust to their new environment and routine.
At Begin, we understand what you’re experiencing and want to help you and your child through this transition. In this guide, we’ll discuss what to expect on the first day of kindergarten and provide helpful tips for parents.
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What To Expect On The First Day Of Kindergarten
Any new experience can be overwhelming, especially for young children. It’s normal for them to worry about the unknown, and the first day of kindergarten brings a new environment and many unfamiliar faces.
To help your little one feel more at ease, you’ll want to talk to them about what to expect on the first day of school. This will help them mentally prepare and feel more in control of the situation.
Here are some things to discuss.
Preparation Jitters
Your child may feel anxious or scared about the first day of school long before it arrives. These big feelings may appear as bad dreams or physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or headaches.
If you notice your child exhibiting these symptoms, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and talk through them. Let them know it’s normal to feel nervous but reassure them that everything will be OK.
Share your first day of school experiences and how you calmed your nerves. This will help them to see that they’re not alone.
You can also ensure they’re prepared with all the necessary supplies, such as a backpack, crayons, and lunchbox. Knowing that they have what they need can help ease their worries.
Arrival And Drop-Off
How will your child get to school? Are they taking the bus? Will you drive them or walk them over?
Talk through the plans for arrival and drop-off so your child knows what to expect. If the first day will be different, discuss those changes as well.
To help avoid confusion or worry, talk about:
- What time you’ll wake them up
- What time you need to leave the house
- How they’ll get to school
- Whether you’ll walk them into their classroom or not
- Where they’ll go when school is over
- How they’re getting home
Classroom Introductions
Once in the classroom, your child will meet many people for the first time. They may feel overwhelmed or shy about saying hello.
Role-playing can help prepare them for this social interaction. Pretend to be different people in the class, such as the teacher or a classmate, and practice introducing yourself and asking questions.
Classroom Rules And Procedures
A room full of five-year-olds would quickly turn into chaos without rules or procedures. While each teacher will have their own classroom rules, here are some common ones you can share with your child:
- Raising your hand to speak
- Using kind words and actions toward others
- Following directions the first time
- Respecting other people’s belongings
Remind your child that these rules help everyone have a fun and safe learning environment. You can also let them know that the teacher will go over the rules on the first day of school and be there to help if they forget.
Class Schedule And Activities
Kindergarten is a busy time of learning. Your child will have a daily schedule that includes various activities like learning centers, circle time, and recess.
Let them know that their teacher will guide them through each activity and that, before long, they’ll become familiar with the daily routine.
Talk about some of the activities they’ll experience, such as:
Learning Time
In kindergarten, your child will learn many core skills, such as beginning reading skills and number recognition. Assure your child that their teacher will make learning fun and engaging through hands-on learning, songs, and games.
Encourage them to ask questions and actively participate in class. Remind them that it’s OK to make mistakes and that learning is a process.
Specials
Your child likely won’t spend their entire school day in the same classroom. It’s common to have specials throughout the week, such as art, music, and physical education (PE).
Let them know their teacher will help them get where they need to be for these classes. Remind them that they’ll soon have the school’s layout memorized and will be able to find their way on their own.
Lunch Time
Eating in a cafeteria with other children may be new for your child. Discuss what they can expect during lunchtime, such as choosing their food, waiting in line, and cleaning up after eating.
If they bring lunch from home, have them practice opening containers and unwrapping items to give them confidence in the lunchroom.
Recess
Recess is a highlight of the school day for many children. But it’s also a time for safety and following the rules. Talk to your child about:
- Staying within the designated areas
- Playing kindly with others
- Going feet first down the slide
- Using the equipment safely
End Of Day And Pickup
All good things must come to an end, and your child’s first day of kindergarten won’t last forever. When school is almost out, they’ll likely have time to gather their things and put their papers in a folder.
Make sure they know where to meet you at the end of the day. If they’re riding a bus, review the bus number and bus safety procedures. If you’re picking them up, arrange a designated meeting spot.
Tips For The First Day Of Kindergarten
Now that you know what to expect on the first day, here are some practical tips to help it go more smoothly.
Prepare Your Child In Advance
To help ease your child’s fears, prepare for the big day before it arrives. You can:
- Read books about the first day of kindergarten
- Use the points above to talk about what to expect
- Practice academic skills with HOMER by Begin
- Role play the first day
- Help your child develop social skills with Learn with Sesame Street by Begin
Let Your Child Help Pick Their Supplies
Back to school shopping is a great way to build excitement for the coming school year. Let your child pick out their backpack, lunch box, and other supplies. This will give them a sense of ownership of their belongings.
Visit The School (If Possible)
Some schools have kindergarten orientation or open houses before the first day. If your child’s school offers this, be sure to attend. This will allow your child to see their classroom, meet their teacher, and get familiar with the school in advance.
Stay Positive And Encouraging
Your baby is going to school. You’re likely feeling your own mix of emotions. But remember, your child is taking their cues from you and will feed off your energy.
So try to stay positive and encouraging. Let them know how excited you are for them, and focus on all the fun things they will learn and experience.
Be Prepared To Make A Swift Exit
Lingering goodbyes can sometimes make the first day more difficult for your child. Once you’ve said bye, be prepared to make a confident exit. Trust that their teacher will care for them and that they’ll be just fine.
Pack A Surprise In Their Lunch
If your child will bring lunch from home, include a little surprise to help them feel special. Here are some ideas:
- Handwritten note
- Sticker
- Small treat
- Picture of you and them doing something fun
- Pencil
- Small notepad
Take Pictures And Celebrate
You’ll want to remember this day for years to come. Make sure to take plenty of pictures of your child — both before and after school.
It’s the perfect time to start an annual tradition documenting their growth throughout their school journey. After all, high school graduation will be here before you know it.
When your child gets home from their first day, don’t forget to celebrate. Ask them about their day, listen to their stories, and praise them for a job well done.
Prepare For Kindergarten With Begin
The first day of kindergarten can be a big adjustment for you and your child, but the tips above can help make it a positive experience. With love, patience, and preparation, your child will be on their way to a successful school journey.
Begin is here to support you and your child every step of the way. Our personalized learning membership will give your little one the skills and confidence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. So why wait? Start preparing for kindergarten today with Begin!
