How to Prepare a 1st Grader for School

 

School is about to start, and your little darling is getting ready for to go to “big school”. Although it is an exciting time, it is also a scary time for both parents and students especially if the child has not been to school before. Even if they have, there can be some apprehension about going from kindergarten to first grade. So, what things can you do to get your child ready for the transition? 

*Become familiar with the school

School is usually open even before the first day of school.  Arrange for you and your child to come do a walk through on campus.  Take him or her on a tour of the building.  If you know your child’s room already, you can walk them to the room and let them look inside.  Show him or her where the bathrooms are. It is also a good idea to drive by the school often for about a week and keep telling them that this is their school. 

*Meet the teacher

Most schools host an open house before school starts.  This is a great time for you and your child to meet the teacher.  You and the teacher can discuss her expects and you can give her valuable information about your child.  This is a great time for your child to get familiar with the teacher.  Meeting the teacher will also help to relieve some of your child’s anxiety about beginning first grade.

*Meet the bus driver

If your child will be riding the school bus, it will also help to familiarize your child with the bus driver.  If you can, make the introductions and discuss seating arrangements for the year.

*Work with your child at home

Get your child use to doing school work by doing some at home.  A few weeks before school starts begin to get your child into the routine of doing work. There are workbooks and website available that you can use to get educational materials.

*Read to your child

It is vital that you read to your child on a daily basis.  Students are expected to be reading by the end of first grade. Start the process at home by reading to him or her. This will not only help to relieve anxiety about school, but it will also help to foster a love of reading. 

*Discuss expected behavior

Even if your child went to kindergarten the year before, begin talking to them about expected behavior.  They should know that they have to follow directions, listen to the teacher, and stay in their assigned place.

*Establish a routine before school starts

Go ahead and establish a routine before they march off to school the first day.  Have a set time for homework, play time, and bedtime.  Select a quiet place for completing homework assignments and make sure that your child knows where that place is.  Practice working on simple assignments before school begins.  Allow them to have breaks so that they don’t get frustrated or develop homework anxiety.  Bedtime should be at the same time every night.  Get your child into a bedtime routine and stick with it.  This will help to decrease bedtime drama and ensure that your child gets the necessary amount of sleep he or she needs.

As your child prepares for first grade, help to decrease anxiety and stress by familiarizing them with the school and the teacher.  Establish a routine and stick with it.