Tips for Preparing for Kindergarten:

1. Get your child talking about school! What do they expect to happen? How are they feeling about going? Share your positive memories of going to school and encourage other family members to do the same.
2. Encourage your child to practice snapping snaps, buttoning buttons, zippering zippers, etc. The more independently he or she can function in school, the better he or she will feel about him or herself!
3. Take a tour of the school and/or the classroom. You are invited to come to our Meet the Teacher Day on August 29th , any time from 9-12 a.m. On this day you, your child, and anyone else who is interested may come to school to meet me, bring in the supplies from the supply list, and see the classroom. (I find that this usually helps to allay the fears of the newbies!) I will be at school between 9 and 12 a.m. Some parts of the room might still be "under construction," but you can come and take a look at where your child will be spending many happy days! Hope to see you there!
4. Begin to establish a routine for your child that takes school times into account. For example, if you know that in September your child needs to wake up by 7:30, gradually alter your child's schedule with that in mind. You don't want it to be a shock to your child that she can no longer sleep until 9. Do the same with bedtime.
5. Get your child in the habit of eating breakfast. Studies show that children who come to school with a nutritious breakfast in their bellies perform better than their breakfast deficient counterparts. I realize that some people are just naturally NOT breakfast eaters, but even a banana and a glass of juice will make a difference.
6. Read to your child everyday! Encourage him to read, write, count, question, infer, etc... Kindergartners are naturally curious...encourage this!
7. Try not to be nervous! Your child will pick up on your feelings and may be perfectly fine with coming to school, but worried about you. Know that I will take good care of your precious little one.