It’s nearing the end of summer vacation, but the kids show no signs whatsoever of being ready to go back to school. No matter how their tired mama feels about it.
Aside from my older two heading back to school, our youngest will be starting his first day of Kindergarten. Ever. Ever-ever.
And he’s protesting, “I don’t want to go to school.” before it even starts. I admit I’m probably more nervous about him going to Kindergarten than he is. But it’s a right of passage that has to happen. That we will just have to get through together.
How to Prep for First Day of School Readiness
But what can I do in this last few months before the first day of school to prep him? And to make the transition back to school just a little smoother for my older two? Let’s hear from some fellow mama friends how they’ve tackled first day of school readiness with their kids…
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Alright, Mamas, how do you prepare your kids for the first day of school?
1. Make It a “Big Kid” Event
“Something that really helped my daughter was making it a ‘big kid’ event so she feels special about being able to go to school, where babies aren’t allowed.” Chrissy of The Outlaw Mom
2. Read Books About School
“We are reading books about school
and have been doing some of the new-to-him activities at home that are in the books.” Cerys of Rainy Day Mum
3. Schedule in Downtime
“During the first week or two back to school, keep evenings free to stay at home and just relax and do the bedtime routine unrushed . The kids may be overwhelmed with the adjustment to school and will need more downtime to get used to the change in schedule.” Rebekah of The Golden Gleam
4. Let Them Pick Their Backpack
“[We] have fun picking out a backpack and lunchbox.” Chrissy of The Outlaw Mom
5. Plan Lunch Menus
“I also find that getting them involved in back to school shopping – choosing a backpack and planning out lunch/snack menus – helps!” MaryAnne of Mama Smiles
6. Make a School Day Book
“We created a ‘Going to School Book’ together that contains elements of each school day.” Kim of The Educators’ Spin On It
7. Visit the School Ahead of Time
“We have visited the preschool that Jake will join three times now – once with children from last year’s class but also out of session – during the summer holidays the preschool puts on fun sessions for children to go to so we have been going along and I have been talking about how he will do the same things when he goes.” Cerys of Rainy Day Mum
8. Use Magic Dust
“[We use] First Day of School Magic Dust. It helps open the conversation about how sometimes we feel anxious and it’s ok.” Kim of The Educators’ Spin On It
9. Watch Cartoons
“[We] watch Sesame Street episodes
(since Abby goes to Flying Fairy School and Murray goes to a new school every episode).” Chrissy of The Outlaw Mom
10. Talk About It
“We talk about what to expect at school, how the school day runs, and who their teachers are.” MaryAnne of Mama Smiles
More Back to School Tips:
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Shaunna @ Fantastic Fun and Learning says
You and the Mamas always have such fun and practical tips. Thanks for linking to Discover and Explore. I’m featuring your post today on Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Thanks so much, Shaunna!
Sandi says
As a kindergarten teacher, I highly recommend visiting the school (and classroom) if possible, and spending time playing in the school playground. And the downtime after school. The wee ones have been all filled up with new experiences the first couple weeks of school. The need to go home and “hang out” after school – not have a whirlwind of social or enrichment activities.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Such a great point about having down time at home after school, Sandi!
Kim @ The Educators Spin On It says
Here's the link to our Going to School Book if you want to print it our for free. http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2012/08/wemberly-worried-kevin-henkes-virtual.html
andie jaye says
some really cute ideas!!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
For the 1st day of school, I take lots of pictures, plus the kids get to pick out their own backpacks. If they have a half day, we have a picnic at a local park. I make chocolate chip cookies for the big kids for an after school snack.
Heather@ Creative Family Moments says
I wholeheartedly agree with The Golden Gleam. Keep afternoons/evenings/weekends low-key the first week or two. They'll need it to make the transition.
CSI girl says
This is som great tips! I hope you will link this up to The CSI Project this week starting tomorrow night. The challenge is Back to School. Come see the tutorials each day and link up! You just might win!
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Each week is a new challenge!
Susan Case says
Stopping by from Tuesday Tots. Great post! Krissy – thank you so much for mentioning my post on Kinder Readiness. How kind of you. Have a great day.
Angie says
I wanted to say sincerely, Thank-you for writing this post. I struggle with the idea of sending my little one to school. Maybe next year. It is so hard for mommies to let go.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Your welcome, Angie! It is such a personal decision for each family and child. This article might help you in your decision, too: http://kindergartenbasics.blogspot.com/2012/08/kindergarten-readiness-enroll-or-wait.html
Anonymous says
The first day of school I like to put a heart on the inside of my childs hand with a permanent marker. I tell him this heart symbolizes me and when he feels lonely or misses me just to look at the heart and I am right there.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
That is so sweet! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Anonymous says
I really like that idea!