Parents are Teachers Too: Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten

How Should I Handle the First Day of School?

The best thing you can do for your child on the first day of school is to be positive and supportive. Remind your child how much there is to look forward to at school, and how the teacher will always be there to help. Make sure that your child has everything he or she needs when leaving for school, so that the day can go smoothly. If you bring your child to school yourself on the first day, leave as quickly as you can and let the teacher start the day’s activities. Your child needs to know that the school day has begun. But reassure your child that you will see him or her at the end of the day.

How Do I Communicate With the School?

You’ll find that kindergarten offers much less day-to-day contact with parents than you may have had with pre-kindergarten. But it is still very important for you to stay involved. Read everything the school sends home to you. Go to every scheduled parent/teacher conference, and talk with the teacher about what your child is doing at school and at home. Contact the teacher with questions or to share information when you need to. You are also welcome to visit the school and your child’s classroom at any time. To be sure that your child’s teacher will have time to talk with you, call the school office to arrange a specific time and date.

Can I Get Involved With My Child’s School?

Schools depend on support from parents. Your child’s school will welcome your getting involved. Call the school to find out what you can do. A few of the ways you can help are:

• Assisting a teacher in the classroom
• Visiting classes as a speaker
• Mentoring or tutoring students
• Being a crossing guard
• Working in the school library
• Helping with computers
• Being a part of the PTA
• Fundraising

What Can I Do At Home to Help My Child Learn?

Talk with your child. Ask what he or she did in school each day. Listen carefully. Find out what he or she likes about school, and where he or she has problems or questions. Children learn all the time, not just in school.  Every day offers “teachable moments” when you as a parent can help your child to learn. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it works! For dozens of other helpful suggestions for everyday learning, visit www.readyatfive.org 

Acknowledgements

It’s Time For School was developed by Ready At Five in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) with a Judith P. Hoyer Grant for Private Providers of Early Care and Education Services. Ready At Five gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations for their review and suggestions: Anne Bailowitz, Baltimore City Health Department; Ed Beck, MSDE; Michael Cockey, MSDE; Rolf Grafwallner, MSDE; Debbie Harris, Calvert County Public Schools; Liz Haslup, Talbot County Public Schools; Brenda Kelly, Baltimore City Public Schools; Mary LaCasse, DHMH; Donna Mazyck, MSDE; Shari Oster-Sherr, Frederick County Public Schools; and Barbara Squires, Baltimore City, Success By 6 at Baltimore City Health Department. This publication is based on a 1989 MSDE publication, Your Child Goes to School. Special thanks to Bruce Jacobs, Louise Corwin, and Amanda McMahon for their writing and editorial expertise.