Easing Into Kindergarten

By Diane Muir, Early Childhood Consultant, Dubuque Community Schools

Many parents of children approaching kindergarten wonder if their children are ready to start school. Starting kindergarten is a new adventure. It is a part of growing up! In Iowa, if your child turns five on or before September 15, that child can attend kindergarten in the fall. Here’s how teachers determine children’s readiness and needs followed by ways parents and caregivers can help.

Some school districts have a screening process for children entering kindergarten. This process enables teachers to interact with children on simple concepts. Children have a chance to demonstrate fine motor and listening skills. Children also work with colors, sorting, counting, and exploring a book. Teachers are able to interact with the children, hear their language, and see demonstrations of thought process. The screening is about a 20-minute experience with each child. Results of the screening are used to help teachers prepare the environment and curriculum for all children. The screening tool can be used to begin conversations about each child as to both strengths and needs.

A relationship with the school and the family begins at registration, commonly called Kindergarten Round-Up. If you have concerns about your child starting school, want to know what resources are available for parents, or have any other questions, the school personnel will work with you.

Parents and caregivers can help to ease the starting-school jitters. Remember your enthusiasm is contagious. Visiting the school, creating a daily routine a few weeks before school begins, giving your child choices and opportunities for responsibilities will all build confidence in your child. Honor your child’s fears or worries. Listen to your child and be prepared to give some extra time and reassurance to help your child feel comfortable with this new beginning.

Before school begins, give your child plenty of opportunities to play, explore the world, enjoy books, draw and write, and have fun with cooking, shopping, and enjoying the outdoors. Enjoy this time of wonder and active learning by your five-year-old. It is one of the great opportunities of parenthood to help our children understand their feelings and share their joy as they experience this milestone in their lives.


Read All About It!

Before your family goes through a change, such as moving, or before you child experiences stressors, such as a dental visit or hospital stay, visit your library to check out some books to help your child know what to expect. Books will ease any fears and let your child know that these situations are perfectly normal and happen to other children.