Entering School: Word of Advice from American Academy of Pediatrics Even if your child has been in day care the first day of "real" school is an
important event often characterized by tense anticipation. Getting your child
off to a good start the first few weeks of school will foster future positive
attitudes.
If your child is about to start school for the first time, you may find the
following suggestions helpful.
Visit the school a few times before the start of classes. Become acquainted with the school on the weekend; a big, new school is
less intimidating on a quiet Saturday or Sunday. Walk or drive the route your
child will take, explore the playground, walk around the school, and even look
into a window. This helps your child begin to adjust to the new environment.
Next, visit the school while it is in session. If possible, let your youngster
see the room and meet the teacher. Many schools have orientation sessions.
Allow your child to feel scared about starting school. Do not try to dismiss or ignore your child‘s feelings of apprehension.
Point out that children are sometimes scared when they first go off to school
because they miss their parents and do not know what to expect--some children
even cry a little at first. Reassure your child that the teacher knows a lot
about children, and will take very good care of your child. Talk about the
feelings you had during your first day of school, and emphasize some funny or
positive aspect. Finally, if you work outside the home, try to arrange a few
extra hours at home during your child‘s first week, if possible.
Prepare your child at home. One way to relieve some anxiety is to play school at home. Another way is
to talk in specific terms about what will happen. Discuss how your child will
get to and from school; what your child is likely to do during the day; what
you will be doing while your child is away; and what will happen once school
is over for the day. Read books together about other children‘s school
experiences.
Try not to build too much significance into the first day. Your child‘s first day of school is indeed a milestone. Do prepare and
provide reassurance, but do not treat it as a world-shaking event. Your child
will approach the first day of school with less apprehension if it is treated
as a normal part of everyday life.
Once at school, do not force your child to participate. Allow your child to become accustomed to the new sights and surroundings
by observing rather than participating directly; your youngster is likely to
resist if you push too hard.
Make your good-byes short and visible. If you do take your child to the classroom, do not try to sneak away while
your youngster is in the midst of a classroom activity. Always say good-bye.
Regardless of where you say good-bye, try to act casual and up-beat. If your
child protests, remain calm but state firmly that there is no other choice,
and you have faith in your child‘s ability to start and remain in school.
These books might help you to familiarize you child with new significant
event-starting school and provide some comfort and understanding for your little
ones.
Entering School: Resource List
Books for Children Ages 3 to 8
Pooh‘s First Day of School; by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld, Robbin Cuddy
(illustrator); Disney Press, 1997
My Mom Made Me Go to School; by Judy Delton; Delacorte, 1991
School Bus; by Donald Crews; Econo-Clad Books, 1999
Timothy Goes to School; by Rosemary Wells; Puffin Press, 2000
Will I Have a Friend?; by Miriam Cohen; Econo-Clad Books, 1999
First Grade Elves; by Joanne Ryder; Troll Associates, 1994
When You Go to Kindergarten; by James Howe; Demco, 1995
Amanda Pig, Schoolgirl; by Jean Van Leeuwen, Ann Schweninger
(illustrator); Dial Books for Young Readers, 1997
Back to School for Rotten Ralph; by Jack Gantos, Nicole Rubel
(illustrator); HarperCollins, 1998
Billy and the Big New School; by Laurence Anholt, Catherine Anholt
(illustrator); Albert Whitman & Co, 1999
A Dragon in My Backpack; by Elvira Woodruff, Denise Brunkus (illustrator);
Trool Assoc., 1996
Franklin Goes to School; by Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark
(illustrator); Scholastic Trade, 1995
Franklin va a la escuela (Franklin Goes to School); by Paulette Bourgeois,
Brenda Clark (illustrator), Alejandra Lopez Varela (translator); Lectorum
(Spanish Publication), 1998
Froggy Goes to School; by Jonathan London, Frank Remkiewicz (illustrator);
Puffin, 1998
I‘ll Go to School If; by Bo Flood, Ronnie Walter Shipman (illustrator);
Fairview Press, 1997
Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten; by Jutta Langreuter, Vera Sobat
(illustrator); Millbrook Press, 1997
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!; by Nancy L. Carlson; Viking Childrens
Books, 1999
Russell Rides Again; by Johanna Hurwitz; Beach Tree, 1999
When You Go to Kindergarten; by James Howe; Mulberry Books, 1995
Books for Adults
Is Your Child Ready for First Grade?: A Self-Help Book for Parents
Assessing Their Children‘s Pre-School Readiness Skills; by Eleanor Hickman-Tilghman;
Test, INC., 1998
Ready for Reading: A Handbook for Parents of Preschoolers; by Ashley
Bishop; Allyn and Bacon, 2000
Ten Steps to Help Your Child Read; by Jenni Taverner; 1999
Ten Steps to Help Your Child Write; by Jenni Taverner; 1999
