Preparing For Kindergarten

By Shahnaz Bahman

Your child’s first day at school doesn’t have to be traumatic. Here are some tips for preparing for kindergarten, to help make the “big day” go smoothly.

preparing for kindergarte

Build independence


Using the toilet independently, tying shoes, eating unassisted and collecting toys after playing are all useful skills which can be taught at home. They can greatly boost your child’s self confidence as they receive recognition for being able to do things independently. This is one of the first steps for preparing for kindergarten.

Encourage social interaction


Children spend most their time with family are more likely to suffer from separation discomfort. Get your child used to being around people they’re not familiar with. They can visit the houses of friends that you trust, or you can take them to
playgroups where they can mix with other children. Maximising children’s exposure to others will help them become more secure.



Establish routines

Get your child into the habit of sleeping and waking up early before school starts. Children who don’t get enough sleep can become cranky. Other routines include having set mealtimes and establishing a positive conversation about an exciting day to come.

Be enthusiastic


Make sure you have positive emotions about the idea of your child going to school. If you worry about your child then, subconsciously, you’ll transfer your negative emotions onto them. Being excited, smiling and letting them know that they are going to have a great time goes a long way towards dispelling negative emotions.



Familiarise your child


Getting your child familiar with the school building, classroom and teacher will assist them in feeling less alienated. Preparing for kindergarten can include meeting other classmates to establish positive relationships before school starts. This can help your child feel less lonely on their first day of school.

Make getting ready fun


Get your little one excited about the big day. Go shopping together to buy all the essential school items such as a new uniform, a pair of shoes, a lunch box and a bag. Letting them choose will make them feel important and gear them up for the big day.

Read to your child


Get your child into the habit of sitting and listening to you while you read a story for them. Children who are used to this are usually more attentive when the teacher reads to them.

Create an aptitude for learning


Associate the concept of going to school with fun and learning. Play games with your child and let them learn new things, concepts or words. When your child comes home from school, talk about their day and praise them for positive learning experiences and even, perhaps, teaching you something new.

Teach empathy


Prepare your children for school by modelling empathy to your children. For example, when your child is feeling unhappy acknowledge that feeling, show that you can understand how they feel, then try to ask how you can help them. Empathic children are usually more popular and build stronger social relationships because they are caring and other children feel good around them.

Play school


Take it in turns having fun role-playing being the teacher and the pupil. If possible, involve other children so you can have a little classroom. Through play, children can have a sense of what a classroom feels like and what is expected of them.