Off to School Familiar character
Elmo shares his excitement and a little nervousness about going to school for the first time.
I’ m Going to Kindergarten By Andrea Posner-Sanchez
This Little Golden Book is a story told by a girl, with illustrations of universal activities such as meeting new friends and story time.
On the First Day in Kindergarten by Tish Rabe
A positive story told by a kindergarten student who counts her new experiences, day by day.
Establish routines
• Go to bed earlier, aim for 11-12 hours of sleep
• Wake up at the same time every morning
• Eat breakfast, clean teeth and brush hair
• Dress for school Begin to practice a daily routine of bedtime and wake-up time and, if possible, hold to the routine the week before school begins. Repeating the routine consistently every day can acclimate both you and your child so that getting to school will not become a rushed struggle.
Physical skills to practice
• Taking off their coat and hanging it up
• Putting on and taking off shoes
• Opening and closing their backpack
• Opening and closing their lunch containers
• Washing and drying their hands If you will be sending lunch and / or snacks with your child, helping them master their lunch containers is important. Practicing every day the week before school will help you understand your child’ s capabilities and allow you to teach them how it all works.
Independent toilet skills
Choose clothes that your child can take down and pull up confidently. Brush up on their personal toileting hygiene and emphasize habits such as flushing and hand washing and drying.
Staying positive about separation
• Goodbye and pick up routines As school time nears, try to practice some separations from your child, such as having them stay at a relative’ s home for short periods. Allow your child to express their feelings about being away from you and home. Let them know you understand their reasonable fears, and reassure them that the feelings will soon go away. Together, you and your child can make up a routine for saying goodbye each morning. Keep it short, loving and positive and include that you will be back when it’ s time to go home. Make clear who will be picking them up after school and be prompt. A reliable routine will give your child confidence.
www. OfficialKidsMag. com • AUGUST 2025 • 21