12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

Kindergarten, it’s a big deal for children! Some kids transition well into the next stage of their education. Others are comfortable at preschool and would prefer not to change schools or classrooms! And other kids vacillate between excitement and hesitancy.

With all kids, acknowledge the emotions that go into the kindergarten transition. Taking the time to listen and discuss your child’s fear, apprehension, or excitement will help your child immensely. Reading books and discussing the character’s experiences is always a good idea. Here are a few of my favorite titles.

• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
• Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
• Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell
• The Kissing Hand by Penn, Harper, and Leak

Transition to Kindergarten Tips

1. Explain what your child can expect. Knowing what’s going to happen as well as what’s expected of the child will ease anxiety and foster confidence.
2. Remind your child of all the times he’s been brave and courageous like going to preschool for the first time or meeting a new friend.
3. Visit the school and classroom. Meet the teacher, play on the playground, and visit the library. Take photos to look at periodically before school starts.
4. Normalize your child’s feelings. Share how you felt when you when you were young and experienced new situations.
5. Share family kindergarten experiences (Mom, Dad, siblings).
6. Acknowledge your child’s fear as real and appropriate. Offer reassurance.
7. Make shopping for kindergarten supplies a special event.
8. Send a photograph of your family in the child’s backpack. It’s comforting to see the smiling faces of loved ones when in a new situation.
9. Arrange play dates with kindergarten classmates to encourage friendships.
10. When your child gets on the bus, give a quick kiss, a hug, and cheerful goodbye. Think Band-Aid removal!
11. Think positively! Mom and Dad’s emotions rub off on kids.
12. Most importantly, pray for a smooth transition for you and your child.

© 2022 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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