What Your Child Should Expect On Their First Day Of Kindergarten

by: Michelle Smith

| January 10, 2023 |

happy kid

Kindergarten is an exciting but nerve-wracking milestone in a child’s life, so it’s important to be prepared.

From setting up the right environment at home to what your child should bring on their first day, here’s everything you need to know about preparing your child for their first day of kindergarten.

Things To Do Before Your Child’s First Day of Kindergarten

sibling

As your child’s first day of school approaches, you may feel mixed emotions—excitement, pride, and maybe even a little apprehension. But don’t worry! There are certain things you can do to make sure your child is prepared for their first day of kindergarten. Here are some tips on what to do before your child’s first day of school.

Visit the School Ahead of Time

Visiting the school ahead of time can help familiarise your child with the building and allow them to meet their teacher. Ask if there is an orientation or open house where children and parents can come in and explore the classroom. It can give you and your child peace of mind as they start their educational journey.

Create a Routine

Creating a morning routine that starts the night before will help ensure that your child is ready for the big day ahead. Have them lay out their clothes the night before, so they have one less thing to worry about in the morning. Make sure they get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast so they are well-rested and energised for class. It will give them the best chance at having a successful first day.

Talk About Expectations

It is important to discuss expectations with your child, so they know what to expect from the school and themselves. Talk about how it’s important to listen when teachers or other adults speak, follow instructions, treat others kindly, etc. It will put their mind at ease about all those new rules they will have to learn in kindergarten!

What Will Happen On The First Day of Kindergarten

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Let’s look at what your child can expect on their first day of kindergarten.

Meeting New Faces

On the first day of kindergarten, your child will likely meet many new faces: classmates, teachers, and teaching assistants! To help them become familiar with these people and start building relationships, it’s a good idea to organise a playdate or two in the week leading up to the big day. This way, they’ll know at least one friendly face when they arrive at school.

Getting Settled In

When discussing kindergarten with your child, it’s important to explain that all children take time to settle in and find their feet. Encourage them not to worry if it takes more than one day to feel comfortable. You could also have them practise setting out their lunch box and other items ahead of time so getting ready in the morning will be easier for them (and you!).

Familiarising With the New Routine

It can also be helpful to explain what happens during a typical school day so they know what to expect when they get there. Talk about activities like recess, reading stories together, or having lunch. Knowing what comes next during the day can help your child settle into their routine faster.

What Your Child Should Bring To School

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Here are some helpful tips for what your child should bring to their first day of kindergarten.

A Nourishing Lunch Box

Send your child off to their first day with a nutritious lunch box. Pack something they’re sure to enjoy so they don’t have to worry about missing out on a meal. Consider packing them something like cheese and vegemite sandwiches or leftovers from dinner the night before. If you’re short on ideas, there are plenty of healthy lunch box recipes online that you can try out.

Extra Snacks and Water Bottle

Kindergarteners tend to get hungry quickly, so it’s always good to send extra snacks, such as dried fruit or homemade muesli bars, in case they need an energy boost during the day. A water bottle is also essential so that they can stay hydrated throughout their day at school.

Extra Clothing and Shoes

Ensuring your child has enough clothing is also important for those inevitable accidents in kindergarten. Pack extra clothes in their school bag just in case anything happens during the day, and spare shoes if necessary. It will save you from running home for emergency supplies after work!

How To Help Your Child Adjust To Kindergarten

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To help your child adjust to kindergarten life, there are some strategies that you should consider implementing.

Establish Routines

Having consistent morning and evening routines is essential for helping your child adjust to school life. Set up an organised morning routine that helps them get ready for school on time while ensuring they have eaten breakfast. For the evenings, establish a calming routine that includes eating dinner together as a family, reading stories or books together, or doing light exercises. It will help them unwind from their day and prepare for sleep.

Encourage Friendships

Having friends at school is an important part of the adjustment period for young children. It’s also important to provide emotional support when needed – if your child is having difficulty making friends or not fitting in, talk to the teacher about what strategies you can use to help them make connections with other kids at school.

Talk About Their Day

After they come home from school, allow them time to talk about their day – ask questions and give them time to process any events that happened on their own without being interrupted by questions. Celebrate their accomplishments, both big and small! Acknowledge these successes positively, so your child feels supported in their learning journey.

Final Thoughts

Kindergarten is an important step in every child’s educational journey that requires lots of preparation from parents and students alike! By getting familiar with what will happen on the first day of school, packing all necessary items for class, practising social skills at home beforehand, and providing emotional support afterwards, you can help ensure that your little one has an enjoyable experience as they embark on this exciting new chapter!

About Hippity Hop’s Kindergarten Services

Hippity Hop provides a safe environment for your child to learn. We have a great indoor and outdoor area, and our building is designed with a purpose.

Our Curriculum

Our fully qualified kindergarten courses are included in the price of your child care and fulfil the 15-hour kindergarten requirements. Hippity Hop helps children with a strong sense of identity, feeling connected to and contributing to the world, a strong sense of well-being, and becoming confident and involved learners and effective communicators.

Our Teachers

We choose our bachelor-qualified teachers because of their passion towards teaching. They continue to refine their teaching techniques and skills over the years to give your child the best early education possible. We also send our teachers to regular training to ensure they are up to date on the latest methods.
Contact us to enroll your child today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Is Kindergarten in NSW?

The age for kindergarten in New South Wales is five years old (as long as they turn 5, on or before 31 July that school year).

This early childhood education stage of learning is typically offered in a preschool setting, which takes place around a year before primary school. As such, the kindergarten program helps to prepare young children for the transition into their primary school-level studies. Kindergarten teachers and school staff work with parents to provide an environment that stimulates and engages students with fun-filled learning activities, often supported by a volunteer parent management committee. Such services help give children access to developmentally appropriate learning opportunities before entering grade 1 at primary school and ensure that young learners are well-equipped for their early childhood education journey.

What Age Is Kindergarten in Australia?

Kindergarten programs in Australia are typically structured to cater to children between the ages of 4 and 5.
These services are governed by each state and territory’s education departments, local government schools, and approved early childhood providers. Furthermore, school hours often fall between 8:30 am – 3:15 pm with specialised early or late care arrangements, which require that a child’s knowledge of cognitive development and social structures be considered upon admission. Parent participation via advisory committees is strongly encouraged to ensure national quality standards applicable for the fundamental shaping of young minds are met with utmost care.

Why Is It Called Kindergarten in English?

One of the most interesting aspects of the education system is why some parts have certain names. Kindergarten, a German term, refers to a school for children between the ages of four and six. It allows children to explore and learn in an environment with age-appropriate support that focuses on their development – making it as rewarding for them as it is for teachers. While generally considered a specific year or term, kindergarten can also refer to early years services ranging from in-home visits to full educational programs. Wherever it is found in English-speaking countries, its original German meaning has been preserved.