Getting your kindergartner off to a good start

With the new school year literally days away, local professionals have offered some helpful tips to make your kindergartener’s transition into school a smooth one.

Knowing how hectic some people’s schedules are, district officials want to remind parents to get school enrollment packets to the office as soon as possible.

“Parents also need to have those necessary items such as shot records and confirmation of residency,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brian Jacobs of Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD). This year, the Fallbrook district expects to welcome 625 kindergarteners.

At the Bonsall Union School District, Superintendent Dr. Jason Cunningham says kindergarten enrollment was a bit sluggish at the beginning of August, with about 80 new students. He expects Bonsall to receive 120 kindergarten students before school starts.

Along with completing and submitting a student’s enrollment packet, Principal Gary Lewis of Vallecitos Elementary School in Rainbow would like parents to be proactive about the oral health assessment, which is due in the coming months. Vallecitos is expecting just under 40 kindergarten students for the new school year, he said.

Before school officially starts, these professionals recommend getting a child acclimated to the kindergarten lifestyle.

“The one thing that is really important is to visit the school with your child before the year does start,” said Lewis. “Check out where the classroom, library, cafeteria, play area, office and restrooms will be.” Visiting the school campus with your child a handful of times before the “first day” can decrease anxiety.

Experts advise communicating with the child about school and giving him an opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns. And of course, keep everything in an upbeat and positive tone.

Usually the Friday before school starts, Lewis said, teachers are already working in their classrooms. Parents and future kindergarteners are welcome to stop in at Vallecitos for a quick visit and brief chat with their teachers.

If a kindergartner does not have preschool experience under her belt, the initial challenge is likely to be with peer relationships, said Dr. Jacobs. “The parent should anticipate that the child will exhibit some anxious feelings,” he said.

Academics begin early. Your kindergartener will have plenty to learn. Studies include reading, writing, learning the days of the week, telling time and recognizing and discerning colors.

Dr. Cunningham recommends logging on to the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov. “The Web site will help parents understand what the California Content Standards are and what is going to be expected of their child for their grade level,” he explained.

“If you haven’t already, start reading to your child and teach them general math principles,” said Dr. Jacobs. “It’s critical.”

In addition, Dr. Jacobs suggests adjusting your child’s routine a week or two before class begins. To ensure proper rest, a child needs to be in bed by a decent hour so he gets a full night of sleep. Establish and practice the necessary early morning routine, with adequate time for breakfast, getting dressed and getting out the door, in order to get to school on time.

“A child who has not experienced that type of morning [structure] is going to take some time to adapt; it’s very helpful to get the children into this routine as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Jacobs.

Likewise, he added, when dropping off your child on her first day it’s important to give that hug and kiss and then leave the campus as soon as possible. “That way, the separation begins to happen right then and there,” he said.

On the first day of school at Vallecitos, the kindergarten class will participate in the traditional Parent Parade and Rally. As the children march in line, their parents will clap and cheer them on.

“We have a parade for the entire school, but there is a separate one for the kindergartners,” said Lewis. “This is a big day for the kids. We make it a big deal, letting them know that we are excited to have them with us.”

If you have specific questions about kindergarten, contact the school district your child will be attending.

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