10 Tips for an Awesome Kindergarten Experience

Sending your child to kindergarten is an exciting but emotional experience. All parents recognize that this is a critical year of transition and growth and want their student to be as prepared as possible. If your little one is soon to embark on the kindergarten adventure, consider these tips for academic, social, and emotional success.

1. Introduce the routine ahead of time. Before the big first day, start making adjustments to ease your student into the new schedule. Adjust naps and bedtimes if necessary. Practice waking up with an alarm and getting dressed, breakfast, and out of the house efficiently. A trial run can make the first day seem less stressful — both for you and your student.
2. Create a designated homework spot. While most kindergarten teachers don’t assign loads of homework, you’ll want to start developing strong study habits early on. Create a space in your home that is designated for homework assignments. Visit this space daily to read with your child or practice concepts such as drawing, writing, and counting.
3. Connect with your child’s teacher(s). Strong parent-teacher relationships are critical for a successful first year. Learn the best way to communicate (email, phone, in-person conferences) and stay engaged as much as possible. Your child’s teacher may even need parent volunteers for certain classroom activities. This is a great way to remain involved with your student’s school experience.
4. Minimize daily stress at home. Simple tasks such as picking out clothes or packing lunches can become overwhelming without structure. Lay out clothes, shoes, and socks each evening, and have a place for backpacks, lunch boxes, and other everyday needs to live. A little organization can go a long way.
5. Ease into extracurriculars. Your student may be very tired as they adjust to the new kindergarten routine. If you have after-school activities in mind, consider starting them later in the school year when your child has had time to adjust. Introducing too many new things at once can take a toll on young minds and bodies.
6. Make attendance a priority. Kindergarten sets the stage for grade school, college, and beyond. Since attendance is directly linked to student achievement, aim for no missed days. Of course, if your child is ill or if there is a family emergency, your student’s teacher will work with them to get caught up as quickly as possible.
7. Eat and sleep for success. Your new kindergarten student may need to catch a few more zzzs or even consume several extra calories to maintain high energy levels and a strong immune system. Establish consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, and stay well stocked on healthy meal and snack options.
8. Be enthusiastic about the subject matter. As your child’s first teacher, you play an important role in developing his or her attitude toward learning. Ask them daily about what they’re studying and show them how the subject matter is relevant in the world around them.
9. Talk with your child about peer relationships. Kindergarten is not just about laying academic foundations; it is also a time of social growth. Ask your student about new friendships that are being developed and encourage them develop respectful, kind, and collaborative habits.
10. Have fun with it! Create traditions to celebrate the first day of school. Take pictures. Keep a scrapbook of milestones throughout the year. Kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your student. You’ll want to capture as many memories as possible, because the year certainly goes by faster than you think.

Learn More About Kindergarten at NCA
Is your family soon to embark on the kindergarten adventure? We invite you to discover more about Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, NC. Our program is designed to help students thrive while keeping parents as engaged as possible. Schedule a tour today!