TK & Kindergarten Fall Orientation

Fall Kindergarten Orientation

Arcata Elementary TK & K teachers are hosting a visitation session for registered TK & kindergarten students. Come by to meet the teacher and visit the classroom!

How to Get Your Child Ready for the First Day of Kindergarten

Starting school is a big step for young children - their first day of "big kid" school. AS exciting as this time may be for some kids, many struggle initially with the long days, challenging curriculum and time spent away from loved ones.

Routines help children learn, make them feel safe and in control of their world, and foster their self-confidence and sense of belonging within the family. Some key family routines that will help children feel ready for kindergarten include:

Bedtime Routines

Bedtime routines ensure kids get a good night’s sleep and will be ready for the next day’s adventures. Some important parts of a bedtime routine include a consistent bedtime and a predictable order of activities (e.g., take a bath, put on pajamas, brush teeth, read favorite story or sing favorite song, get a goodnight hug or kiss from their caregiver).

Reading Routines

Parents are encouraged to read with their children for at least 20 minutes a day to build language and literacy skills. This reading routine can be part of the bedtime routine or at another time convenient for you and your child. A good way to make this time child-centered (and increase your child’s enjoyment and engagement in this time together) is by letting your child pick out the book.

Family Mealtime Routines

Having a family mealtime routine is not only an opportunity to teach your children about healthy eating habits, but is also a chance to spend quality time talking with your children, which builds their language and strengthens their relationship with you. You can also build in routines around mealtime that will be useful to your children in school, such as washing your hands before dinner or teaching them how to clear dishes from the table.

Stay up to date with vaccinations.

Take your child to the pediatrician for a checkup, and make sure all immunizations needed for kindergarten are up to date.

Tell your child what to expect.

Talk to your child about what kindergarten will be like to help them start preparing for this big transition. Children often have lots of questions about kindergarten, particularly if they are starting at a new school.

Spend time talking with your child about what kindergarten will be like (e.g., who will be the teacher, what will the daily school routine look like, etc.).
Involve him or her in picking out their school materials (e.g., backpack, clothes, etc.).
You can also talk about what going to kindergarten was like for you as a way to model how your child can share feelings about kindergarten.

We are looking forward to meeting your child and you!

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-to-get-your-child-ready-for-the-first-day-of-kindergarten?scrlybrkr=8cee8b86 Source: John Hopkins Medicine