Starting Kindergarten

1. Talking About School

• Encourage positive conversations about teachers and the excitement of starting school.
• Address any concerns or nervousness your child may have.

2. Clothing and Self-Care

• Label all clothing items and practice dressing independently.
• Ensure your child can manage tasks like zipping jackets and tying shoes.
• Emphasize the importance of taking care of personal belongings.

3. School Bags and Responsibility

• Teach your child how to manage their school bag, including zipping and packing.
• Encourage them to take ownership of their belongings and practice independence.

4. Using the Bathroom

• Reassure your child about finding and using the bathroom at school.
• Teach proper hygiene practices like washing hands and provide spare underwear if needed.

5. Using a Lunchbox

• Help your child practice opening and closing their lunchbox and packaging.
• Label all items clearly with your child's name to avoid confusion.
• Involve them in meal planning and preparation to foster independence.

6. Lunchtime: Can They Open Everything?

• Allow your child to practice opening lunch items to ensure they can manage independently.
• Encourage self-sufficiency and confidence in handling their lunch.

7. Limit After-School Activities

• Recognise that adjusting to Kindergarten can be tiring for children.
• Limit extracurricular activities initially to allow your child time to rest and adjust.

8. Talk About It, But Not Too Much

• Encourage excitement about Kindergarten while being mindful of your child's feelings.
• Provide reassurance and support as needed, tailoring your approach to your child's individual needs

9. Label Everything

• Label all of your child's belongings clearly to prevent loss and confusion.
• Take the time to label items before school starts to avoid any issues later on.