Parents should proudly celebrate the first day of kindergarten as an important passage in their child's life. Celebrate that and let your child enjoy what for him is a significant accomplishment!!

 There are just a few weeks until your child begins his kindergarten year. Parents often feel the need to scramble to get their child ready for the challenges and changes for the coming of the school year. If you are one of many who are asking what do I need to be doing to get my child ready for that big day here are a few suggestions that will help make this special time of your child's life go more smoothly for you and your child.

The number one thing you can do to gt your child school ready is to READ to your child for at least fifteen minutes a day.Following a story requires focus,imaginationand and interest to know what comes next,all essential skills for kindergarten readiness.While your child should have some knowledge of things like letter recognition and counting you are encouraged to relax. If a child is getting all the other things he needs, then the academic achievements will come.

What are the essential needs of a kindergartener?

SLEEP-Most kindergarteners need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. At least one week before the beginning of school, start getting into a sleep routine where your child is going to bed had the time you have set for him.It is important to establish this routine early on so that it will be familiar when the unfamiliar school year begins.

DOCTOR CHECK -UPS -Be sure your child has had his kindergarten physical and that he has this and his up to date immunization certificate on file at the school.

A GOOD BREAKFAST-If your child is in the habit of skipping breakfast,now is the time to start encouraging and serving a healthy breakfast. Research shows that starting the day hwith a nutritious breakfast has a lasting impact on a child's performance at school and can affect anything from focus and energy to behavior. Consider energy rich foods and high protein like peanut butter on whole wheat toast or eggs and whole grain cereal(not sugar loaded).

PRACTICE MAKES A CHILD INDEPENDENT AND CONFIDENT -Think about situations that may come up and be difficult for your child,such as saying good-bye,raising his hand to speak, zipping pants, tying shoes and opening their food and lunchbox. Have dress rehearsals and practice these skills. Allow your child to role play these moments and others.This will help your child be comfortable when the time comes for him t execute these skills at school.

ASKING AND LISTENING -Some children are afraid to go to school because they don't know how to read and work with mumbers and they think they have to know all these things before they arrive at school.Other children worry that there won't be time to play or what could happen if they don't listen to the teacher or what they do when they need to use the restroom. It is helpful to encourage your child to talk about their concerns or fears so their questions can be answered and miconceptions cleared and relistic expectations can be offered.Try to find a balance between acknowledging your child's fears and talking about school and teachers in warm and positive ways. Your child needs to know now that you will listen to what their day is like and you will care about what happens at school and that you are proud of the way they are learning.

TONE DOWN YOUR ANXIETY

Kids pick up on their parents' mood. That means it is important to keep your concerns and anxieties in checkIf the paent is feeling anxious the child will pick up on this.

OTHER THINGS TO DO-

(1) Visit the school-visit the school building walk down the kindergarten hallway,go to the gym the cafeteria,library and playground. Walk around the outside of the building.(2)  Have your child participate in picking out school supplies-lunchbox and backpack see home page for additional supplies (3)Write a story and draw pictures about going to school. (4)Go shopping for your child's first day of school outfit (5)Invite a child to play that you know will be going to the same school as your child or once you find out who is in your child's class invite someone from your child's class.(6)Prepare your child for some of the rules and explain that teachers make rules to keep them safe or to make learning orderly i.e. raising your hand to talk (7) Write your child's teacher a letter or send an email. (You can do that by going to the small icon at the top right hand corner or the home page or by emailing me at webbj12 @k12tn.net)