How to Prepare a Toddler for Kindergarten

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• Back-to-School Guide

Here's how to get your little one ready for school!

By Cynthia Reynolds

As September approaches, it’s time to start getting the kids ready for school. But what if it’s their first time? For the most part, kindergarten serves as a transition into the primary grades, which means you don’t have to stress too much. However, a lot more is demanded of kindergarteners nowadays, so the more prepared your kids are to enter JK, the better.

Here are some tips to help get your budding kindergarteners ready for school.

Academics

While teaching kids their ABCs and 1-2-3s undoubtedly gives them a head start, getting them to sit and listen isn’t such an easy task in the summer. But the good news is there are tons of play activities that activate the brain.

• Inreasingly, research shows that good old-fashioned exercise boosts academic learning and, particularly key for kindergarteners, it improves attention and reduces fidgeting. So games that get them running, jumping and climbing (tag, hopscotch, follow the leader, etc.) keep kids both fit and sharp.
• Play that develops the fine motor skills is also key. As they manipulate small and more complex objects, kids are building the hand muscles and hand-eye coordination that’s necessary for writing—a major pillar of school success. So on rainy days, or on those hot afternoons when time starts to lag, break out the craft materials, such as glue, crayons, play dough and scissors, which your child will be using throughout JK. 
• Since research revealed that math ability is the number one predictor of future academic success, kindergarten classes have been putting more emphasis on early numeracy—counting, pattern recognition, comparisons, measuring, etc. You can help prep your child with simple everyday activities such as baking, sorting dishes from the dishwasher, setting the table, as well as playing with blocks, sand and water. 
• Children like to play in the dirt—and it’s good for them. Not only does dirt contain microbes that help build up their immune systems, which they’ll need in kindergarten, a 2010 study revealed that it might actually improve mood and brain function.

Social/Emotional Readiness

How to help your child adapt to the social and emotional challenges they’ll face, is entirely dependent on your child’s personality and experiences. Children who’ve spent time in daycare or preschools may have an easier time than kids who’ve remained at home with a single caregiver. However, whether they’re shy or confident, restless or can maintain focus, will also play a significant role. Here are a few tips that can help.

• Practise the route your child will take to school, whether it’s walking or driving.
• Spend time at the school’s playground.
• Speak positively about school. Even if your own experience was less than ideal, allow your child to make up his or her own mind.
• If your child has separation issues, start booking your babysitter more frequently.
• Take opportunities to get your child used to being around more kids—join a playgroup, invite over the neighbourhood kids or enroll them in a day camp.

Shopping

 
The first day of school is a special milestone in a child’s life. Taking your child shopping for school gear is a fun way to mark the occasion. To avoid tantrums and meltdowns, it’s prudent to decide ahead of time what you’re going to buy—a backpack, snack bag, shoes, or even the food they’ll be taking to school. And you don’t have to go overboard! There will be years ahead of back-to-school days, so you don’t want to set expectations too high, nor take away from what school is truly about—learning, not getting more stuff.

How did you prepare your toddler for kindergarten? Let us know in the comments!