5 activities to do with your child to prepare them for kindergarten

Taking a moment to visit the future school environment with your child often helps to reduce apprehensions. Why not get familiar with this new place together by going to play in what will soon be their new schoolyard? Take a picture of the school, and once you’re back home, ask your child if they would like to recreate their new school in a drawing. Use the captured photo as a reference. This creative activity, besides enhancing your child's sensory and motor skills, will contribute to their sense of security as they will know what to expect on their first day. Your confidence in letting them explore their school environment will help them develop a sense of independence and assurance.

To prepare your child for the many upcoming changes, organize a typical day of kindergarten for them while staying in the comfort of your own home. In the morning, explain the different steps of a pre-school routine. To encourage them, you can even go through the same steps yourself. This will set an example for your child and allow your future student to imitate a "grown-up." Present each step in a playful way, perhaps by setting a timer to see who can be the fastest or by having fun imitating each other perfectly. During the day, play the role of a teacher and engage them in various creative activities to work on their motor skills. For example, association games are an excellent way to become familiar with the alphabet and numbers. As for nursery rhymes, they are fun and educational too!

To help your child develop their fine motor skills and learn to follow steps, propose a morning of cooking with them. Prepare their favourite meal together and assemble their very first lunchbox. If the weather permits, have a picnic lunch and encourage your child to open their containers by themselves, just like a grown-up. Since lunchtime in kindergarten is limited in duration, talk to your child about the importance of eating before going back to play so they can have a full tummy when the bell signals the return to class. This activity will not only teach them valuable skills, but it will also create a fun and engaging learning experience.

Before the start of the school year, find daily moments to read to your child. To inspire you, we have gathered suggestions of books that address starting kindergarten. During storytime, encourage your little one to stay quiet, and explain the value of listening. While reading, you can always ask them questions to stimulate their thinking and give them the opportunity to share their ideas. Afterwards, you can extend this relaxing time by discussing your own experiences as a student. Hearing you speak positively about school activities, like storytime, will undoubtedly reassure your child and make them excited about this new adventure. Creating a habit of reading together and engaging in meaningful conversations will foster their love for learning as well as strengthen the bond between you and your child.

Do you know other children who will be entering the same kindergarten in September? You could organize one (or more) half-day(s) of activities for the children to get to know one another. Having a few familiar faces on the first day of school will go a long way to make this day less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone!