10 Things to Know When Your Child Starts (Full-Day)
Kindergarten
1. The first day of school (or every day for the first while) will
result in potential tears over irrational things, not necessarily the GOING to
school part (i.e. there could be tears because the backpack is too heavy—with
all the things you need to put in their cubby--; there could be tears because
their shoes are too white; there could be tears because their pants aren’t
stretchy enough).
2. When asked what they did that day, he/she will reply with
“nothing.” This is not an accurate description of the day, nor is it indicative
of his/her reluctance to tell you. Your child is simply so overwhelmed from the
plethora of new experiences that he/she simply cannot honestly tell you. This
will eventually disappear. With extreme prejudice.
3. Due to the frequent inability to tell you what they enjoyed
during the day (see # 2), be on the look-out for random, seemingly “out of the
blue” comments. They will have no context and will be difficult to follow at
first, but they will be little gems of knowledge about his/her day.
4. Don’t stress about whether your kiddo is getting enough
activity simply because they are now going to school all day. They are. All
day. Constantly. There will be some structured time for stories, little group
lessons on specific content, but they will spend most of their time at the
informal “play to learn” centers, going to the library, and hitting the gym,
all in addition to being outside for upwards of two hours—each day. This is a
lot for little brains and bodies to internalize. They will be exhausted, and
fully active. So no need to hit the park
after school or go for long walks or bike rides on school nights (unless
requested, of course—be prepared for the consequences for that during the first
couple of months, though (see #5)).
5. Avoid signing up your kiddo for any out-of-school activities,
if possible, for the first “season” (2-3 months) that Fall (especially
activities that may run in the evening). Your kiddo will be bagged. Utterly
bagged. Their brains and bodies are adjusting to a lot of information and new
situations, as well as all the play-based learning. And there will be a distinct correlation
between the evening of said activities and injuries on the playground the
following day—in fact, it’s almost a guarantee.
6. Saturday mornings will need to be a time to “chill” or do very
low-key activities. He/she will need to recharge—big time. If Saturday mornings
are not an option because you’ve got things going on, try to give him/her
Sunday as a “day off”. Eventually, the need for the down-time will decrease,
but this may not happen for months. In fact, it may not happen until the middle
of the following year.
7. Your own behaviour will suddenly come under scrutiny in the
most hilarious and adorable ways. Be prepared to be told off (in the amusing
seriousness all 4 year-olds can muster) in language/phrases you don’t use. This
is clearly the language of the classroom, and will actually come in quite
useful when trying to reiterate the same type of messages at home. Often, the kiddo will give you access to
words that better express what you want them to understand. Use them.
8. The agenda is the golden book of communication. Do not
hesitate to use it. The teacher (or ECE worker) will read them every day, and
will also write notes to you, as well. This is where you’ll hear about the
kiddo falling off the bikes at lunch, could you please look at the scrape
he/she has on his/her knee?, etc. The agendas also work the other way. If the
kiddo is having a terrible morning because you had to pull out an especially
large splinter, and he/she is upset because he/she doesn’t think he/she is
being brave (because they are crying), send a note in the agenda. Describe what
happened, and ask for help to convince said kiddo that they WERE brave. Sometimes,
your child will not believe you, especially as they develop a fondness and
respect for their teacher—they WILL believe the teacher, though. Said child may
even come home with a special award/certificate for being brave.
9. Do not hesitate to ask questions. The teacher will appreciate
the transparency, and chances are, he/she gets whatever question you have ALL
the time. You are not alone. The teacher knows this. If there is anything about
the kiddo’s little quirks that help define who he/she is and how he/she
responds to certain situations, tell the teachers. They want to know, and will
probably ask you anyway.
And
finally,
10. You, above all else, will enjoy hearing
about where your child spends their play “learning” time. Some of it may
surprise you; some will not surprise you at all. It’s a source of constant joy
to know/hear about what he/she does when given the free choice, as well, as how
they are forming into a more defined version of themselves.
Love you guys, lots. I
hope Moe loves starting JK in this September. :)
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