A few weeks ago I went over to the elementary school and pre-registered Bubbles for kindergarten. And then last week we went back for her kindergarten screening.
She has been very excited about the idea of kindergarten, but when it came to actually going in for the screening, she got a case of cold feet. Fortunately the school is less than a mile away, so we were there and in the door before she had too long to dwell on it.
Once at the school, she was back to being excited. Kids were outside playing and she thought it would be fun to join them. She also seemed to like the staff we interacted with, so I think we’re going to be good.
Getting Excited for Kindergarten
I really want to keep the positive momentum going for the rest of the summer, so I’ve collected a few books, apps, and other resources to get excited for kindergarten.
Read Some Books
Usually kids are scared of the unknown. The best way to get kids excited about kindergarten and remove the apprehension (of anything, really) is to make sure they understand what’s going to happen. Try books like “Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come!” and “The Berenstain Bears Go to School“, two of our current favorites.
Check Out Some Apps
We’ve always been supporters of apps for kids, both educational apps and apps and games for fun. We’ve been using ABC Mouse for a year or so, and I definitely recommend it. A new one we’ve been playing is the first-ever interactive storybook app featuring Mr. Potato Head (available on iTunes), called Mr. Potato Head School Rush. It’s a fun way to start a conversation on the importance of a morning routine and being on time for school.
Take Them Shopping
Bubbles has been talking about her school backpack for, well, like two years. I think shopping for school supplies like a lunch box, clothes, a backpack, and the items on her school supply sheet will really help get her excited for kindergarten.
Attend Orientation or Ask for a Tour
While Bubbles was having her screening, one of the staff members mentioned there’d be an orientation before school started. The kids will be able to see the classroom and meet their teacher which I’m sure will help settle some of the butterflies Bubbles is feeling. If your school doesn’t have something planned, ask if you can do a 1-on-1 tour with your little.
Practice School Skills
For Christmas, my husband’s Aunt Pat gave Bubbles the Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Grade K (can you tell she’s been a teacher for decades?). Bubbles would have sat down and done the entire book that night if we had let her. Doing these kinds of workbooks helps build their confidence in their skills, which will in turn make them more excited to continue them in school.
How are you getting your kids excited for kindergarten?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.
Great recommendations. We have another year to go before kinder and even though my little guy has been tagging along to the school with his big sister, it’ll probably still be good to prepare him for when he’ll be there “for real”. Glad to hear ABC Mouse is good as I’ve been toying with getting that for him. Visiting from Simple Saturdays.
We really do love ABC Mouse Victoria! My daughter looks forward to getting to “play” it.
Congrats to your little one on starting kindergarten! We read lots of books about starting and talked it up all summer “You’re going to get to do ______ when your in school!” Good luck!
Thanks Emma! We’re trying to do the talk up thing, too – I think it’s going to go well!
My little one is starting Kindergarten in August, thank you for these tips to make that an easier transition for both of us :). I stopped by from the #smallvictoriessundaylinkup
What a great list. I dropped my little on off at Kindergarten Camp today. I’m so thankful that she’ll get a week of meeting new classmates and teachers and getting used to her new surroundings before Kindergarten actually starts. She’s ready to go, but it sure is good for my worrying soul.
Kindergarten Camp sounds awesome! I don’t think the schools around here have that, but it sounds like an excellent idea. And I hear you about the worrying soul, mama – you’ve both got this!
Your list is spot on! I teach preschool and help get the children ready for kindergarten. They are always excited, but a little nervous too. We read books and talk a lot about what will happen at a new school. It helps when parents take them shopping too. Thanks for posting this list!
Glad to know they’re useful tips! Thanks, Pamela
These are some great ideas. Thank you!
Aww…I love this post…so great!
I would love for you to add this to my Recipes and Crafts Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
I will share this with my friend who is going to have her twins starting school soon. I remember the Berenstein Bears when I was growing up:)
Great ideas – I’ll be using these over the summer, I can’t believe my UPKer is going to be a kindergartener!!!! Thanks for sharing at #HappinessIsHomemade this week!
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