On a late summer afternoon, 21 aspiring kindergarteners gathered for an important game of pretend. The kids sat mostly crisscross applesauce on “sit upons” decorated with the letters of the alphabet. Their bright outfits and Crocs screamed lawless summer even as they learned to follow directions at story time. Though their careful attention waned by the end of the hour-long program, they were rewarded with the chance to board a bright yellow school bus and practice how to nonchalantly wave goodbye to tearful parents.
The kids were practicing their elementary school debut at Kindergarten Here We Come! hosted by the Howard County Library System and Howard County Public Schools. The last class is August 24 and it’s the kind of dry run educators say can help children — and their parents — feel more at ease on their first day of “big-kid school.”
1. Visit School Before the First Day
If your child’s school has a playground that you can access, a visit can be a good way to familiarize them with a new environment, said Jimmy Venza, executive director of The Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness. Even better, if the school is open at any point before the start of the school year, take them for a walk through the hallways and to meet the new adults in their lives.
Kate Ayres, a former kindergarten and current second-grade teacher at Henderson-Hopkins School in East Baltimore, noted that her school does a meet-and-greet with parents ahead of the first day. This allows both parents and children to learn more about what they can expect while getting a feel for the classroom.
2. Establish a Calendar, New Routines
Venza recommended putting up a calendar at home so children can anticipate what’s happening next in their lives. Highlight milestones such as family vacations, the first day of class, and other major school events happening throughout the year.
This can help set expectations and establish routines, such as getting ready in the morning or saying goodbye at drop-off. Once at school, teachers will introduce their own routines, such as sitting on the carpet for story time, putting things away in cubbies, or lining up before walking to the cafeteria.
3. Read All About the First Day Together
At Kindergarten Here We Come!, some of the students recognized Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist Evelyn Gerkin Greenberg, who changed her name from Ms. Evelyn to Ms. G for the class so the kids could practice calling teachers by their last names.
Greenberg read “The Night Before Kindergarten” to the class, encouraging them to read and rhyme alongside her. Venza suggested reading books about going to school with your kindergartener, encouraging them to ask questions, or even asking some yourself. Listen closely to see what your child may be focused on or anxious about.
4. Be Curious Every Single Day
When your child comes home from school, set aside 15 minutes to ask them open-ended questions about their day, Venza said. Be prepared to share in their delight at trying something new or offer support if they’ve experienced something upsetting, such as a classmate who hurt their feelings.
Hopefully, when something stressful happens, children will have an adult available. Malikah Arnaud, who brought her 5-year-old grandson, Amir Peterson, to the library event, was comforted watching Greenberg connect with children when they struggled.
5. Get to Know Their Teacher
Venza suggested putting up a family calendar at home to help children foresee what’s coming up in their lives. By marking important milestones—like family trips, the first day of school, and other significant school events happening throughout the year—children can better understand what to expect.
This practice can set clear expectations and establish good routines, making mornings smoother and easing farewells during drop-off. Additionally, it provides a visual aid for older kids to organize and prepare.
Once children arrive at school, teachers introduce their own set of routines to create a structured learning environment. For instance, students may sit on the carpet for story time, put items in their cubbies, or line up before heading to the cafeteria. These routines help them transition smoothly through different parts of their day and foster a sense of security and order.
Having routines at both home and school can offer children a comforting predictability, aiding their overall development. It builds their confidence and helps them adapt to various settings, making the entire process of growing up a bit more manageable for them and their parents.
