The bellies of kindergartners and preschoolers – and their parents – may be filled with butterflies on the first day of school. But there are a number of steps local educators say families can take to prepare students for the start of their education.
The key to making sure children are comfortable with school is to talk about it, said Melanie Elder, the admissions director and an assistant principal at Brighton School in Lynnwood, where she works mostly with younger students.
“Making sure they realize that school is a fun environment” is an important tool to helping them succeed, Elder said.
It also can affect students down the road. It’s important to foster a love of learning in students at an early age, she said.
The Edmonds School District and various early education providers in Snohomish County created a calendar for families of kindergartners and soon-to-be kindergartners that outlines activities and ideas to ease the transition.
Spending time playing with and engaging children can make a difference come school time, said Pam Hopkins, Edmonds’ assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.
“Talk to your kids about what’s happening each day,” said Hopkins. “I think it really helps kids succeed.”
Hopkins helped lead the collaborators in creating the calendar and she said talking with your children and asking them questions helps in their development.
“The big predictor of kindergarten success is a child’s language base and experience base, so the more parents can help their kids and talk to their kids about their experiences the better,” Hopkins said. “It really helps kids build their basic vocabulary.”
Independence also is an area to strengthen as school begins, she said.
“Developing just as many independent skills as they can really helps kids be confident,” Hopkins said.
She suggests making sure children are comfortable with things like zipping up their own jackets and opening milk containers.
Another important issue to talk about is riding the bus. Doing this on their own will likely be a brand new experience for kindergartners, so it’s good to visit the school bus stop and talk about riding the bus before school begins, she said.
In addition to feeling comfortable with the school bus, visiting school and even their new classroom will make children feel more at ease that first day.
Hopkins said all of the Edmonds schools offer an orientation or a jump start program for families and new students.
Brighton offers similar opportunities, including a potluck for new families during the summer and orientation the day before school begins. A mentoring committee pairs new families with a family that already has children attending Brighton.
Brighton offers a number of summer camps that are available to children as young as 3 years old, which can also help acclimate them to school, said Elder.
Brighton preschool teacher Paula Laughtland said it’s not uncommon for children, preschoolers in particular, to miss their parents during the day, so she works with parents to make their children feel as comfortable as possible in their new surroundings.
That includes getting details from the parents about what puts the child at ease. Laughtland will display photos from the families in students’ cubbies or ask that parents send a special stuffed animal or blanket to help the child find comfort.
“Whatever makes them feel comfortable is helpful,” Laughtland said.
The Edmonds School District’s transition calendar for 2006 will be available at the end of September by calling 425-670-7000 or stop by the reception desk at the Educational Services Center, 20420 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood. Copies of previous calendars are still available and include the same suggestions and general information regarding kindergarten preparation. Inquiries into Brighton School’s summer camps and programs can be directed to Melanie Elder at 425-672-4430.
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