Every year, parents eagerly wait to see their child’s smiling face on their child’s first day of school. But this year, will you be ready for your toddler’s first day of school? You’ll know if after reading this!
What supplies should you have?
1. Pencils and a new eraser
2. Pencil sharpener(s)
3. Unsharpened pencils, crayons, markers, and colored pencils (at least 20)
4. Glue sticks (at least 2)
5. Colored paper (8 1/2″ x 11″) and white paper for printing
6. A pair of scissors (adult size) and safety scissors
7. A sharp, small-tipped pencil for circles and triangles
8. Scissors (adult size)
9. Sharp scissors for cutting construction paper or paper bags
10. Graph paper, including 4″ x 8″ , 3×5″, 5×7″
11. Binder clips (3 pair)
12. Pencils, erasers, colored and uncolored pencils, markers, crayons, and art supplies for your child’s workbook or storybook in case of emergency!
13. A quality child-size backpack with an extra set of clothes for the day and a snack
14. A great attitude and extra patience!
What should you put in your bag?
1. Dress-up clothes (or extra clothes!) and favorite toys or special blanket for when you are there but not yet ready to part ways after school! This will especially come in handy during that first week of school.
2. Water bottle or sippy cup your child will like to use.
3. Snack: make sure it is in a reusable, easy-to-carry container.
4. Extra change of clothes for your child and a spare pair of shoes
5. Picture of your child with you in the classroom on the first day as a memory that they can treasure forever!
What should you buy for your child to wear?
In preschool, children will usually wear a t-shirt with shorts or pants and a pair of shoes. In elementary school, boys and girls wear the same clothes, but in different colors. Some schools require students to bring a uniform: jacket, blouse or shirt, skirt or pants, undergarments (for girls), belt (optional), socks and shoes.
Children usually wear a t-shirt and shorts or long pants.
Girls usually wear a sleeveless, ankle-length, button-down, or short-waisted blouse with puffed sleeves and ties.
Boys wear a shirt, short or long pants, sweaters, and shoes. Shirts are usually tucked into the pants (slacks) or sweaters (sweaters are worn over slacks).
What if you’re still not sure if your child is ready for school?
If at any time you feel like your child is not ready for school, contact the teacher and set up a time for some particular one-on-one time! You may find that you’re more prepared than you think and have nothing to worry about!
How can you teach them how to deal with a new and different environment?
Before you leave:
- Show your child a few simple sign language gestures such as “shh” and “hush” to use in the classroom.
- Show the new classroom routine.
- Point out where the bathroom is and toilet paper.
- Tell your child what each teacher looks like and give them a name if you have one!
When you arrive at school, remind your child of what to expect when going to school their first day, such as:
1. What time to get ready for school
2. What to wear
3. Who they will have a snack with
4. That it’s okay to be nervous and cry but that they’ll get used to it
5. That they shouldn’t worry if they forget something at home, you’ll bring it next time
6. Remind them that they’ll have a chance to play during recess and lunch
7. That they’ll have 1 minute to read the school rules
8. If your child is afraid of being lonely, make sure they know that “having friends” is not the same as “sharing.”
9. That if something terrible happens in class, it’s because you didn’t do something right, so don’t worry about it
10. To never tell friends to come and “save” them because they’re going to learn how to help themselves from their teachers
How can you get ready early to make it a less stressful morning?
You can prepare your child the night before school and then make sure they are ready for school. Preparation can help them to have a less stressful first day. Please do the same the morning you take them to school. Read more about preparing for your child’s first day of school here.
How do you keep your child calm on their first day of school?
Keep the first day of school low key, fun, and exciting for your child to help them to get excited about the whole new school experience. Talk with your child’s teacher about any concerns you have. Remind them that they are eager to go and that they will have a snack at school.
Remember, on the first day, children may get more attention and affection from you than they will from their teacher. The teacher might also be getting to know the students right away as well, so your child won’t be their main priority at first. As the year goes on, you’ll find that it is just how the school operates.
It can be challenging, so let’s recap.
1. Remember to keep them healthy and active (eat right, drink water, have a few snacks)
2. Take them to school on time or as early as possible since they need to get settled in the morning before their teachers get there.
3. Try asking for advice from friends who have been to school before (so they can help you with any questions you might have)
4. tour the school a few days back, so you know what you’re going to do (get ready in the morning, where to go if you get lost, how much time they have for recess and lunch)
5. Go over the classroom rules with your child
6. Handle any concerns you might have about school with your child’s teacher first
7. Remind them that they will see their friends soon during recess and lunch (and it’s okay if they cry or get upset if they miss their friends)
8. Try to make it fun and exciting for them to go to school
9. Come in a few minutes early and get them settled into their classroom before everyone else
10. Don’t worry about the first day; you’ll find that your child will drop into school’s routine after a couple of weeks at school.
The first day of school can be terrifying, but if you follow all of the steps above, it will make the transition much easier for your child.
Keep in mind that it’s okay if your child is upset about going to school and that they might cry because they don’t want to leave you. It is entirely normal. They are being torn away from their comfort zone and their friends and family. Eventually, they will become more and more comfortable with their new routine.
As the years go by, your child will learn to love school. It is a fun time for them, and it’s when their skills start developing at an incredible rate!
We hope we have helped you to make this first day a smooth one for your child. If you have questions or suggestions about getting ready for your toddler’s first day of school, please send us a message. We will be glad to discuss parenting tips with you.
