It is that time of year when we begin to think about the first day of school for our children! The summer is fast ending and the school year will be here before we know it. That means early bedtimes, morning routines, packing lunches, backpacks, school bells, and all things SCHOOL. For those with kiddos starting Pre-K or Kindergarten, it can be a nerve wracking, exciting and bitter sweet experience all in one! I, for one, will be feeling ALL these emotions and more come August. I am here to give you some tips on how to get your child(ren) ready for that FIRST YEAR of school.
| Tip 1: Practice cutting with scissors |
This tip is something that maybe parents/caregivers might not want to practice doing with children. However, it is a much needed skill. It helps with muscle development and with fine motor skills that are needed. A good way to let them practice is to let them practice cutting some playdough. Click here to download a FREE scissor practice worksheet! Check out this video below about cutting and a cute song to go with it.
| Tip 2: Practice getting their coat on and zipped (unassisted) |
This is a big one! Especially come the colder months. It is a great skill to practice with your kiddo. Take a few weeks to practice and your child will have it mastered! Your child's teacher will thank you.
| Tip 3: Practice tying their shoes (unassisted) |
Imagine having 15-20+ shoes to tie! Help your kiddo and build some confidence by teaching them how to tie their shoes! Here is a great video on how to teach your child. My mind was blown and I am excited to try with our twins!
| Tip 4: Practice putting things in backpacks |
Kids need to be able to pack up their backpacks at the end of the day and actually get EVERYTHING inside said backpack. Practice a few weeks before school how to put things into their backpack. This is another activity that will help your child's confidence soar!
| Tip 5: Practice writing their name (first and last) |
This one they may or may not know how to do yet. But, teachers everywhere will be happy if your kiddo can write their name on their own. It is important that they start their name with a upper case letter then use lower case letters for the rest of their name. You would be surprised with how many kids use all caps to write their names. Click here to get a Name Practice worksheet.
| Tip 6: Practice holding a pencil |
This is a big one. Some children don't know how to hold a pencil. This is caused by a lack of hand strength. My OT friend suggests that kids get as much practice holding a pencil or crayon as possible. She said this commonly caused by use of technology and not hands on activities. Take a few minutes each day to have your child hold a pencil using the pinch hold (pointer and thumb) with their dominant hand or color with crayons.
| Tip 7: Use the bathroom and wipe unassisted |
My children often ask me to help them in the bathroom and to be honest it is probably better that I help them. Do kids really know how to wipe properly? Teach your child how to use the right amount of toilet paper (not the whole roll) and how flush it down the toilet.
| Tip 8: Practice washing and drying hands |
This is BIG one, especially now with COVID and other virus that can spread quickly. Teach them to use enough soap and water to effectively wash their hands (bonus if you can teach them to use only 1 paper towel sheet). The CDC recommends that hands be washed for 20 seconds. Teach your child to sing "Happy Birthday" song two times.
| Tip 9: Practice opening and closing lunch containers and baggies |
This is another hand strength skill. Plus, the cafeteria workers will be impressed and thrilled that they don't need to help 60+ children open/close containers. A fun way to practice would be to go on a picnic! Pack a lunch for you and your kiddo(s) and then have them open all their containers by themselves! Then when you are done, have them help close everything up and pack it away (helps with the packing of a backpack)!
| Tip 10: Know address and phone number of one adult |
It is very important for kids to know their address and phone number. You never know when they might need it. Teach them one address and phone number. Decide what adult you want your child to remember and practice that number. Make it fun!
| Tip 11: Know grandparents first and last names (at least one) |
This is important to teach your child. Most schools require an approved pick up list from the parents. In the event that someone else needs to pickup your child, it would be beneficial if they can say who is picking them up.
| Tip 12: Teach/practice to be independent |
As much as you want your little one to stay little, it is very important to teach them to be independent. This is important because they will be one of 15-20 kids in a class. Teachers will help them and be there for them, but if they can learn to be independent and do things on their own it will benefit them in the long one.
| Tip 13: Practice raising hand to share/ask a question |
Teachers know how excited kids get to share something or ask a question. Show and practice with your little one how to raise their hand and WAIT to share/ask a question. This would be good to practice at the dinner table or while you are on the phone.
| Tip 14: Practice Identifying letters and numbers |
Of course identifying letters and numbers will be taught in school, but if kids have some practice and are familiar with them it will jump start the learning process. You can purchase some foam letters or magnetic letters on-line or in a store. During meal times, take a few minutes to review the letters/numbers.
All the tips above are ways to help prepare your child(ren) for their first years of learning. These are things that will help their confidence and also help the teacher. I applaud the Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers. They are taking 15-20 kids and helping them learn and understand school and all that goes with it.
Teachers and staff members will take time to help your child if they need it. These tips are to help ease your worries and help your child feel confident and comfortable.
Cheers to the parents/caregivers who are ready to send their kiddo off to school! We will survive and so will they!
