My soon-to-be Kindergartener is already telling me that she is NOT going to school next year. Any suggestions on how to get my girl, who hates transitions, ready for K next year?
My soon-to-be Kindergartener is already telling me that she is NOT going to school next year. Any suggestions on how to get my girl, who hates transitions, ready for K next year?
Lisa @ School Family writes: Thanks for the great advice Emma!
Penny, another suggestion for when school gets closer is to start reading some picture books about going to Kindergarten. It will make your daughter realize she is not alone in her fears. Some suggestions are:
"My Mom Made Me go to School" - Delton,
"Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten" - Langreuter,
"Miss Bindergaren Goes to Kindergarten" - Slate,
and my personal all-time favorite:
"The Kissing Hand" - Penn.
~ Lisa
Community Advice
EmmaJ writes: My daughter was the same way. I made it a point to go play at the playground as much as possible the summer before school so she got comfortable with the school grounds setting. I also contacted the school and got a list of kids in her class so she could have some play dates over the summer with future class mates. The last thing we did is play school – A LOT! While we were playing we’d play a game called, “What If”. We’d talk about things at school and then brainstorm what she might do if that situation came up… ranging from serious -- “What if I have to go the bathroom during circle time” to the silly – “What if your teacher is a turtle?” She loved the game and it gave her a way to work out her fears.
Community Advice
Anisha writes: Over the summer, any time your daughter comes up against something she doesn't want to do or struggles with a transition-- then overcomes it -- talk about how proud you are that she did something really scary and how it turned out much better that she thought. Then when it comes time for going to K you can remind of these times.
Community Advice
ErinTM writes: Oh no!! Is there any chance she can visit the school or meet the teachers? Can you go play at the school's playground? Or how about a special shopping trip for new school clothes or school supplies?
