Some students will be heading back to school this week, while others have a few more days of summer vacation.
If you’re sending a student off to school for the first time, we’ve been getting school tips from teachers at Mesick Consolidated Schools, including Kindergarten Teacher Elizabeth Kastl.
“As a parent, reading to your child is the key to kindergarten readiness,” she says. “Having conversations, talking about your day together is a huge part of getting them ready. I don’t expect a kindergartner to come in knowing all their letters, all their numbers and how to read. I do expect them coming in being able to hold a conversation and listen to a story.”
Spin it Positive
Kids and parents can be anxious and upset when it comes to starting a new school year.
Or Mesick Third Grade Teacher Pam Manley says they can hope for the best.
“I just really think it’s important for you to have a positive attitude starting school,” Manley says. “I know the parents are excited, but kids are also excited because they want to see their friends. Putting a spin on it as a positive and exciting time. When we have our open house, make sure it’s exciting and positive. Going out school shopping even if it’s something small. They have such cheap supplies right now. That’s a fun experience that kids can have that’s positive. And getting them excited to share that with their teachers.”
Attend Open House
And when you’re getting your kids ready for school no matter their age, Manley says it’s a great idea to attend open house.
“Normally it’s mainly to see who their teacher is, get an idea of their personality type,” she says. “They’ll find out where they are sitting in the classroom, they’ll get to see their locker. It really is about walking in that first day feeling very comfortable and not having that anxiety of where is my classroom, who is my teacher, who’s in my class? They’ll be able to see the names of other students in their class and that really helps them alleviate some of those first day fears.”
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