My child is starting elementary school

To help your child get a clearer picture of what’s in store, encourage them to find differences and similarities between kindergarten and Grade 1. Realizing how much they know about elementary school will make it easier for them to imagine making the transition.
For example, you can play a game by asking your child which aspects of school will be the same and which will be different:

• You’ll have a teacher (same)
• You’ll have your own desk (different)
• You’ll learn new things (same)
• You’ll make friends (same)
• You’ll have homework (different)
• You’ll do arts and crafts (same)
• You’ll have recess at the same time as the whole school (different)
• You’ll always be able to count on me (same)
• Etc.

Parent-teacher meetings usually take place at the start of the year and can be a great source of information. You’ll come away better equipped to answer your child’s questions and explain practical aspects of their new school:

• The layout of the classroom
• The class rules
• The daily routine
• The year’s projects
• Etc.

Buying school supplies with your child is a golden opportunity to make them feel more at ease about changing schools. This simple activity is effective for several reasons:

• Your child will feel more involved in the process
• They’ll get to make decisions
• They’ll gain a sense of control over their future
• Etc.

There’s a good chance that the fears and emotions your child is experiencing ahead of elementary school are similar to what they experienced before starting kindergarten. Without being dismissive of their feelings, you can reassure your child by reminding them of how far they’ve come over the past year. Here are some examples of what to say:

• Remember how you didn’t know anybody when you started kindergarten? Think about all the friends you have now!
• This year will be different because now, you know what school is all about.
• In kindergarten and Grade 1, the school rules are exactly the same. You’re already an expert!
• You know the alphabet by heart and you know how to hold your pencil.
• Etc.

A great way to make the transition from kindergarten to elementary school more fun is to help your child see it as a new adventure. Since every adventure deserves to be recorded in some way, you can encourage your child to keep a journal in the days leading up to their first day of school. Journaling also happens to be an excellent stress reliever. For example, your child can do the following:

• Draw pictures to express their mood
• List the school supplies they need to buy
• Practise writing their first name
• Stick in various souvenirs (e.g., one of their pencil labels, a photo of their backpack)
• Etc.