| Getting Ready for School | |
| Part 2: Preparing for Kindergarten | |
"Sam and Gram and the First Day of School" (compare prices) is an excellent book to use. It was written by Dianne Blomberg, Ph.D. and has engaging watercolor illustrations by George Ulrich. The book was published under the auspices of the American Psychological Association. It was specifically designed to help parents prepare children for kindergarten or first grade. In addition to the story, there are two sections for parents. The first contains questions for parents to ask their children to prompt discussion about how they feel about going to school. The second contains suggestions about things parents can do with their children to prepare them for school.
The story itself centers on Sam, who is used to spending the day with his Gram until his parents get home from work. Sam is worried he will miss his family while he is at school, and indeed, that is what happens. However, Sam goes on to become involved in enjoyable activities with the other children. When he gets home, he tells his Gram about his day, including how he missed his family. She gently points out that at school he will be making many new friends. Sam realizes he is already beginning to make friends. By the time his mother calls to find out how his day was, Sam has decided that he had a very good day at school.
"The Berenstain Bears Go to School"
"The Berenstain Bears Go to School" (compare prices) will be particularly effective if your child already enjoys, as so many children do, the series by Stan and Jan Berenstain. In this story, school is about to start. Brother Bear is looking forward to returning to school, but Sister Bear is entering school for the first time and is apprehensive. She and her mother visit her classroom and meet her teacher before school starts, which helps. Off Sister Bear goes on the first day of school with Brother Bear. Sister Bear is delighted to see friends on the school bus, but she and the other little ones get quieter and quieter as the bus nears the school. At school, she is at first a little scared but enjoys painting, playing, and listening to stories. By day's end, she is glad to be in kindergarten.
A common thread in both of these stories is the acknowledgement that children may be scared about school and may miss their families. Another is that at school there will be a teacher, other children, and enjoyable activities. These are good books to read over and over again with your child. They will help to bring out any questions or concerns your child has. Hopefully, they will also lessen apprehensions about school.
"When You Go to Kindergarten"
Many children find comfort in routine; again, this is part of knowing what to expect. "When You Go to Kindergarten" (compare prices) is filled with color photographs of active children in kindergarten classrooms. Rather than showing one classroom or just a few activities, the book shows a wide range of kindergarten activities in a variety of settings. The book was written by James Howe and illustrated by Betsy Imershein. I think this would be a good book to go over just prior to visiting the classroom. Then, you and your child can talk about which of the activities that you see in the book you think will take place in your child's classroom. The book is also useful when you talk about how your child will get to and from school each day. Once school starts, you can discuss how your child's experiences are similar and different from what's shown in the book. You may spend more of your time discussing the photographs than reading the book, but I think you will find it helpful however you use it.
Another way to prepare for school is to get the whole family involved by doing some school-related crafts together. Sherri Osborn, the About Family Crafts Guide, has some for you, including an Artwork Holder Magnet.
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