Tips for a Smooth Start for Your Little Ones

Starting school for the first time is a significant milestone for both children and parents. To ensure a smooth transition, Zachary Kindergarten teacher Jessica Gafford shared some essential tips:

1. Know Their Name: Make sure your child knows and can say their first and last name.

• Write your child’s name on all of their belongings: backpack, lunch box, and outerwear. 

2. Lunch Independence:

• Practice opening lunch box items independently.

• Ensure they can repack the lunch box and open/close containers.

3. Restroom Readiness:

• Teach them to use the restroom independently, including wiping.

• Make sure they can navigate the bathroom with their uniforms.

4. Mastering Uniforms:

• Ensure they can put on and fasten clothing independently, especially waist hooks on pants.

• Leave belts at home if they cannot operate them.

5. Outerwear Skills:

• Teach them how to put on sweaters and outerwear independently.

6. Shoe Savvy:

• Make sure they can put on shoes independently (velcro shoes are recommended).

7. Consistent Transportation: If possible, send your student to school the way they will travel for the rest of the year. If they will be a bus rider, send them on the bus the first day of school. It is very confusing for kids to keep switching transportation while learning new routines.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your little one feels confident and ready to take on their first day of school with a smile!

Be kind to all teachers and staff. Our only goal on the first days of school is to get students safely where they need to be, get to know them, feed them, and get them safely back home.