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Getting ready for kindergarten: 6 tips from a pediatrician and mom
April 12, 2018
Getting ready for kindergarten: 6 tips from a pediatrician and mom

    Families throughout Central Virginia will register their little ones for kindergarten on April 19. Then, the countdown begins! This first step into the world of formal learning and increased independence can bring mixed emotions for both parents and children. What can you do to make sure the whole family is ready?

    “Preparing for kindergarten involves more than learning the ABCs, although that’s important too,” says Bergen Nelson, MD, who has a unique perspective as a CHoR pediatrician, former elementary school teacher and mom of a current kindergartner.

    Excited Little Girl On The First Day Of Preschool

    With just under five months to go, Dr. Nelson offers the following tips to help parents prepare for the big kindergarten sendoff.

    1. Set a positive tone

    Children don’t know what to expect of kindergarten, so they’ll be looking to you to set the tone. Be sure to make it one of excitement and fun. Build their anticipation of the new things they’ll learn and friends they’ll meet.

    1. Encourage independence

    When they get to school, kids need to be able to take care of basic functions on their own. This includes using the bathroom, putting on and taking off their coat, etc. Fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or crayon, will allow them to hit the ground running inside the classroom. They’ll need self-regulation and social skills as well. Provide opportunities for them to interact with other children at the park, in play groups, at the museum, etc. Give them time and space to work on these skills and encourage them to ask for help when they need it.

    For safety purposes, it’s also important that children know basic information such as their address, phone number and parents’ first and last names.

    1. Create routines

    Consistent routines have many benefits. When children know what to expect, they feel more confident and in control of their situation. Routines also help keep parents on track, especially when you’re pulled in many directions.

    We often underestimate the importance of sleep. A consistent bedtime will help keep the family on a good schedule and encourage ample sleep. It will also make waking up and getting ready for school in the morning an easier and more pleasant experience for everyone! Family meals and shared reading are also great components of a regular routine.

    Routines extend into the school setting as well. Regular attendance, including arriving to school on time, is important in promoting a positive learning experience and helping children feel invested in their education.

    1. Keep them healthy

    This one is sometimes easier said than done, but there are many things parents can do to promote good health. Take children for their regular checkups with their pediatriciandentist and other health care providers. Make sure they’re up-to-date on their vaccines and encourage healthy habits, such as sneezing/coughing into their elbow, washing hands thoroughly and brushing teeth regularly. An aching tooth can make it hard to concentrate in school!

    A balanced diet and adequate sleep are also essential in keeping the body healthy. Good health will result in more consistent attendance and improved opportunities for learning.

    Nelson Bergen“One of the best things we can do as pediatricians is help keep kids healthy so they can go to school and learn.” 

    –Bergen Nelson, MD

    1. Set them up for a lifetime of learning

    As parents, we often get caught up with academic skills such as reading and writing. While these are important, we need to focus on building a foundation for learning. This can be done through singing songs, reading books, learning nursery rhymes, counting objects, having conversations and playing with our children. If kids enter school with a love of learning and exploration, they will be well-prepared to pick up the academic skills.

    1. Develop a comfort level

    Help your little one develop an understanding of what school will be like. Take them to kindergarten registration and give them a chance to look around. Meet the teacher day closer to the first day of school is another excellent opportunity for both kids and parents to develop a comfort level with the school, classroom and specific teacher. They’ll get to see their name on their cubby or coat rack and start to feel like their new classroom is a place where they belong.

    Reading books about school can help in preparing for the transition as well. Talk about what will be consistent in their lives and what will be new and exciting with the start of the school year.

    Img 20170617 155255 779

    Sending a child to kindergarten will be a change no doubt, but preparing throughout the summer will make the transition smoother for the entire family. As the big day gets closer, discussing a good-bye routine for the first morning (and hello routine for the afternoon!) just may help everyone feel ready for this new adventure.

    Look up kindergarten registration details for your school district, including eligibility, registration times and what to bring.

    Watch Dr. Nelson alongside education experts on NBC12’s Digital Dialogue for answers to common questions about registering and preparing for kindergarten.

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