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5 Ways to Prepare Your Kindergartner for the First Day of School

Going back to school is tricky for any kid, but the nerves associated with the first day of a kindergartner are even more pronounced for little ones starting (not to mention their parents!). Consider these 5 Ways to Prepare Your Kindergartner for the First Day of School and making the transition a little easier.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Kindergartner for the First Day of SchoolPin

How To Get Preschoolers Ready for Kindergarten

Visit the school

Fear of the unknown is one of the main components of first-day jitters. Spend some time this summer walking around the school building and playing on the playground (if it is not enclosed). Point out anything you see which your child might remember later (“See that neat bench? It looks like the one at Grandma and Grandpa’s house!”). Some familiar landmarks and memories made with you near the building could help ease fears when school begins.

Find out if the school has a mascot or fun theme days and start to celebrate it

Will your child be the mascot like a Tiger when she starts school? Cut out a tiger face shape from orange construction paper, along with black stripes, eyes, and a nose. Have your child help you make her tiger to be the mascot of her bedroom. Talk about what makes a tiger neat, and remind your child that she also has many of those attributes. You can also have fun with choosing clothing and hair accessories for pyjama day, funny hair day, etc..

Write a story to help set expectations

Even if your child has been at a full-day pre-school or daycare, a school setting will be a bit different. Write a story personalized for your child to create behaviour expectations and decrease fear. Use pictures of your child, the school building, and even the teacher, when you learn which class your child will be in. Keep the story brief, write it from your child’s perspective, and explore how your child might feel and what they should do about those feelings. “In August, I will start kindergarten. I feel nervous about the first day, but I know my teacher, Mrs. Smith, will help me feel comfortable. I will make new friends, but I will still have all of my old friends to play with too.”

Have your child pick out something new for the first day

Whether it is a first day of school outfit, a new backpack, or new shoes, something novel for the first day will create some excitement for the day to arrive. If money is tight, now is the perfect time to head to a children’s secondhand store or browse neighbourhood garage sales to see what gems you and your child can find. You can also see our article on How to Save More on Back to School Shopping for more tips!

Start the school-day schedule at least a week in advance

If your child likes to sleep in, begin waking him at the time he will need to get up for school. Eat breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner on the school-day schedule. It is hard to mimic the activities that will take place at school, but by at least helping to shape the structure of the day, your child will be used to it before the first day arrives.

By starting to have conversations now with your child about kindergarten, the new school and routine, you are setting him or her up for success. Most children respond best to order in their lives, and minimizing surprised should also help to minimize negative responses and behaviours. In the meantime, enjoy what’s left of your child’s last pre-school summer!

Lyne Proulx
Lyne Proulxhttps://ottawamommyclub.ca/
Lyne Proulx is a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant and experienced Event Planner with a strong background in community engagement and large-scale event coordination. For eight years, she led the Annual Infant Information Day/Early Years Expo for the City of Ottawa. From 2013 to 2016, she was the driving force behind the BConnected Conference, Canada’s premier digital influencer and social media conference, held in Ottawa and Toronto. Lyne also served as co-chair of the Navan for Kraft Hockeyville committee from 2009 to 2011, organizing five major community events in just six months. Her leadership helped Navan become one of the top 10 finalists in the national competition. In recognition of her exceptional volunteerism and dedication to community building, she was honored with the City of Ottawa Mayor's City Builder Award in April 2011. In 2025, Lyne brought her passion for weddings and event planning to a new level by organizing the inaugural Tucker House Bridal Fair, showcasing local vendors and creating a unique experience for engaged couples.

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Comments

  1. Our local library, as well as out summer day camp are located in the school my girl is about to attend this sept. My girl is so excited I don’t think I’m going to have any issues come the first day!

  2. Love the first point-When I taught the first thing I did on the first day of school was to take the children on a tour. So many children felt more comfortable and at home knowing their way around and where the washroom is!

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