The first day of school is exciting for tons of parents in Chicago. This means early bedtime, routines, book bags, homework, pencils, and all things synonymous with school. For individuals with children starting Pre-K or Kindergarten its bittersweet, nerve-wracking, and exciting all in one. In addition to the school supply list, there are things that you should practice with your kiddo before stepping into the classroom. And believe me, your child's teacher will thank you!
7 Things to do to Prepare your Child for Kindergarten
Take off and put on shoes. Unassisted
I found it useful to get shoes that had velcro fastenings. They are easier to use for small kids. During the summer, practice putting their shoes on. Also, show them left from right. Here are a few easy tips to help kids learn how to put the correct shoe on each foot:
- Make a "Magic Dot" by aligning both shoes sole-to-sole and drawing a small dot in the same spot on each midsole. Show your child that when these dots are lined up that their shoes are ready to go on!
- Draw or write half of an image, or your child's name, with a permanent marker on the insole/insert of each shoe and have kids line them up before slipping their feet into them
- Go simple and write an "L" on the left insole and an "R" on the right insole if you want to focus on teaching the concept of left and right versus just how to line up the shoes to the right feet.
- Purchase shoe labels, such as these, which are meant to be a temporary way to show your child how to match the correct shoe and foot. (These will eventually start to peel off, so be prepared to replace them every so often)
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Go to the bathroom and wipe unassisted
This one is tough because do kids really ever wipe properly until they are at least 11? Teach them how to use wet wipes and dry toilet paper and how to flush them down the toilet properly. Don't forget to include teaching how much toilet paper to use because too much can create a problem bigger than stained undies.
- One tip for teaching "how much" is to mark a line with painter's tape on the wall below your toilet paper holder. Once the paper hits the line show them how to tear and fold it to wipe.
Put on coats/jackets and be able to zip/button them
Can you imagine being a teacher at the end of the school day in the winter with 20+ kids all needing help putting their jackets on? And then needing help with those mittens, hats, and boots??? Teach your kindergartener how to zip up their own coats and you are sure to impress the teacher. Nothing beats practicing with their actual clothing, but some other fun ways to practice zippers, snaps, buttons and laces are:
- Playing Dress-up
- Playing with a "Busy Board" like this one (which is also a great quiet travel toy!)
- Dress up baby dolls or stuffed animals with clothes
- Add a ribbon to the zipper on your child's coat to make it a little easier to grab and pull
Wash and dry hands
During COVID times this was essential! Many pandemic-born kids became experts but it doesn't hurt to reinforce hand washing. Your kid(s) will be around many other kids in Pre-K & Kindergarten so stress the importance of hand hygiene and how it will combat germs.
BONUS: The CDC recommends you wash your hands for 20 seconds. Tell your child to sing "ABCs" while washing their hands and they will be preparing for the Kinder Life in other ways!
Open packets and containers for lunchboxes
We all love Bento lunch boxes and the cute little things we see on Pinterest. Make sure your child knows how to open the packages and containers that hold their lunches. If you're an adult and have a hard time opening the container chances are your child will have an even harder time opening it. Now imagine one teacher, or lunch monitor, having to open the lunches of 28 students. Practice over the summer. When preparing lunch, place the food in a container you intend to use for school and show your child how to open their lunch box. By the start of school, they'll be a lunch expert! Need some lunch inspiration? Check out these foods that make great Bento box lunches!
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Know Your Full Name, Phone number(s) & Address
This is good to know in the event your child needs to get a hold of you. Practice this at home and turn your phone number or address into a song - it'll be easier to remember and will be fun to sing together. We used to teach our home address by singing "97-50 State Street, 97-50 State Street. That's where we live" and we have used basically the same tune with each move because it is simple, easily adaptable, and gets a stuck in your head just enough. The goal before school begins is to have your child be able to say your first & last name, your phone number, and your address if needed. One extra benefit was that both of my kids were able to initiate play dates by writing my number out for them to share with parents to easily connect.
BONUS: Teach your child their own first & last name and how old they are.
Create a Circle of Trust
This is really useful if someone else ever needs to pick up your child from school or any other activity. On a piece of paper draw a large circle and ask your child to name an adult they feel comfortable going to if a parent isn't available. Together you can write that adult's full name and then draw a picture of them inside of the circle. Try to include details the kids use to describe each person - color of hair and eyes - for each picture. It's also a great conversation starter for the whole family about who we trust and why! Having your child know their trusted family members, neighbors, and babysitters first and last name will be useful for teachers and staff if someone is coming to pick up your child. Most schools require an approved pick up list from the parents but it is especially helpful for your child to be able to say "My grandma is picking me up. Her name is (insert name here)."
What else would you add for kids starting Pre-K and Kindergarten?
How about kids in Middle or High School?
Drop me a note with your suggestions at sarayaniga@macaronikid.com
Get your FREE 1st Day of School Printables here
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