ParentJam: Tips for New Kindergarten Parents

Kindergarten is a learning experience for both parents and children.

Kindergarten has started. It is a time both children and parents have waited for with fear and excillaration.  Here we are, seeing our children off to their new lives as full time students. It is a transition that can be difficult for all parties.  We may not realize it on the first day, but there are a some things we parents will be learning this year too. 

First, Kindergarten is not the end game.  Since the moment of her birth, I was obsessed with my baby’s developement. Her father and I diligently observed her milestones: sitting up, crawling, walking, first words. Then we moved on to preschool skills: prewriting, social play, self help skills.  With every step of the way, kindergarten readiness was our goal.  At the time, we failed to realize that although this preperation was important, it was not going to end with the first day of school.  In reality, getting ready for kindergarten was not the goal, it was just the beginning. 

Second, teachers need our support and respect.  We may not understand it right away, but when the Kindgarten teacher insists your child pack his own backpack, complete homework everynight night or sit quietly until it is his turn, then we need to support her. If you truely feel that your child and teacher are not a good fit, then go directly to the school and work with the staff.  Talking poorly about school faculty infront of your child is not setting a good example. 

Furthermore, like every grade, kindergarten is not a joke. Look up your school’s local standards.  Every school district has set goals and expectations for all instrutors to teach the class. These are subjects your child is expected to learn.  You may think that your child’s classroom is on an unrealistic instruction pace, or perhaps you feel it is to slow. Either way, you are your child’s best teacher. Advocate for your child’s needs and support her developement at home, but do not make excuses and do not blame the teacher. In most cases, the teacher has your child’s best interest in mind and is also on a strict schedule that she must adhere to because her job is at stake.

Finally, there is more to school than the classroom. The culture of a school will be your child’s culture. Social situations are less regulated in elementary schools than you may have become accustomed to in preschool. The ratio is larger and most elementary school staff are not paid to regulate social situations (see the state standard link above). Lunch, recess, riding the bus and other transitons will be the times in school that your child will find important. These are times your child may be vulnerable to bullying or learning about subjects you haven’t introduced. As scarry as that is, they are also times your child will be empowered to make friends, include others and develop social maturity.  The more you get involved in the school and your child’s life, the deeper you will be involved in your child’s new school culutre, and will be able to support, explain or correct what you feel necesarry. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child and it takes a parent to choose the right village.

Be supportive. Be involved. Volunteer when you can. Do homework with your children.  Go to after school activities.  Ask your kids questions like, “How was your day?” “Tell me about recess.”  “What questions did you ask today?”  You and your child are starting a whole new chapter in life.  It is an exciting roller coaster you have just climbed on to. Put your hands up and enjoy the ride.