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Prepare your Preschooler for Kindergarten: 10 Simple Steps

prepare for kindergarten

As the fall season approaches, a number of young children are going to have to embark on a new journey. They will be starting out on the long but meaningful path of education, and these five and six year old students will soon discover the world of kindergarten. The transition from preschool to kindergarten can be a difficult one the tips below should be referred to by parents that want to calm any kindergarten fears before they can manifest into something worse.

1. As the time to go to school arrives, it is important for the entire family to adjust to a new routine. This routine should stay consistently the same, and each member of the household should be encouraged to stick to it as best as they can. Each typical activity should start at the same time each day, keeping in mind the personal schedule of everybody involved. This should not be started on the first day of school; rather, taking on this venture a few weeks before can ensure that it is successful.


2. Just as important as the morning routine is the nighttime routine. Instead of waiting until the morning to take on certain chores, they can be tackled the evening before to save time. Creating a lunch for each child, packing up school supplies and finishing homework are a few things that can be completed to avoid a stressful and hectic morning. The less there is to deal with, the more at ease the new kindergarten student will feel.

3. A full night of sleep is always something for people of any age to work to achieve. When people are rested the next day will be easier to handle and there will be fewer conflicts. The parent can read bedtime stories early, allowing the child more time to lie in their bed and relax. 

4. The less that the child knows about the world of kindergarten, the more afraid they are likely to feel. A parent can solve this problem by reading to their child about the school experience. The more reading that is done, the more familiar and less foreign the idea will appear. The following books may work to help with the situation:

“Don’t Go” by Jane Breskin Zalben

“When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work” by Joanna Cole

“The Babysitter Sings” by Phillis Gershator


5. Kindergarten is often difficult for young children because they are not used to being separated from their family for long periods. This can be solved by leaving the child to stay with grandparents or a babysitter for increasingly lengthy increments before the school semester starts. The child will understand that his or her parents will always come back.

6. Another method for preparing for kindergarten involves looking through the child’s new school. There is nothing wrong with taking a tour and getting to know the playground, classrooms and other areas. After seeing different things and even talking to the teacher, the child will feel more acquainted with everything. Treating school like an extension of the home is something that should be considered.

7. Visualizing is also important when it comes to helping a child adjust to a new situation. The parent should go through a typical ritual for a day at school, making it out to be fun and adventurous. For example, the parent could say, “You will spend the morning painting, and then Miss Brown will read you a book and mommy will come pick you up at the end of the day.”

8. Allowing the children to play a part in the decision making process never hurts. The children should be allowed to pick out their own school supplies, including the backpack, folders, and lunchbox and writing utensils.

9. On the first day of school the parent should keep their departure short. The longer they stay and talk to the child, the more difficult the separation will be for them, unraveling the work from the tips above. A quick and confident hug and kiss are sufficient. 

10. Finally, it is vital for both parents to establish some kind of relationship with the teacher. The parents should appear to be comfortable and happy around the teacher, allowing the child to watch as both parties interact. Children have been known to catch on to the emotional state of adults, and should they suspect something negative they will not be happy. 

Kindergarten should not be a cause for fear and loathing. By showing confidence and following the tips above, both parent and student will feel better about the situation. If anxiety pops up, try my tips to help school anxiety.

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Family lifestyle blogger from
Tyler, TX
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