If you are on the verge of a Kindergartner, here are some tips that may help with this exciting yet nervous time. Remember that Kindergarten isn't just going to be an adjustment for your child, it will be an adjustment for the parents as well.

First be sure that your child gets enrolled into a pre-k program the year before Kindergarten so that they get used to being around other children and teachers. If this isn't established, your child will have a very tough time adjusting to kindergarten. Preschoolers need socialization and structure under their belt before they can move forward in any major learning experience. Academics are important but can not be achieved if they haven't learned to follow directions.

Learning to flow as a group and using team work is important in getting your child ready for Kindergarten. Have your child be more independent by giving them jobs to do at home. Doing everything for them will cause dependence on someone doing everything for them and Kindergarten encourages independence.

Make sure a proper bed time is set and be consistent with it. They will need a good nights sleep. Kindergarten, especially a full day program, is full of learning so it will be a big adjustment for them. They will be tired the first few weeks. Children of this age group require 10 hours of sleep a night. Between 7 and 8pm is a good bedtime.

Be sure your child practices dressing themselves in the morning. Work on buttoning, snapping and tying. Kindergarten encourages children to do this themselves, especially when going outside in cold weather.

When talking to your child, teach them to keep eye contact with you since this will be enforced in Kindergarten. Teach them how to respect with their words and their actions. When your child is speaking and uses a word incorrectly, teach them the correct word in a way that won't make them feel embarrassed. For example say your child says "I gots a toy" you can say to them "you have a toy", this teaches the correct way of saying it but they are hearing it and will soak that information like a sponge. If you say, "don't say gots, its have" they aren't going to understand that and it will make them feel down on themselves. They may be little but they do have feelings.

Teaching your child to use their words instead of their hands are important as well. They will have to learn how to share with their classmates. Preschool is a good learning environment for this behavior. They can learn to play together nicely.

When all of the above are practiced, your child will have an easier transition to kindergarten versus those who haven't had any experience.

Learn more about this author, Lindsey Clair.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for getting your child ready for kindergarten?
We want to hear your view. Write now!