Easing Your Kindergartner’s Transition to a New School

By Amy Webb

Transitions are challenging for everyone, but for young children they really hit hard. After saying goodbye to their preschool friends and teachers, followed by summer travel or extended family time, starting school again, particularly in a new place, can be a challenge. Here are four steps to make the transition easier. 

Two weeks before school starts

Incorporate reading a couple of books about starting school into your nighttime book routine. There are many wonderful choices that you can find with a quick search. No need to overdo it, as one or two titles will be more than enough. I love the classic, Starting School  by Janet and Allen Ahlberg, and also Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube. After reading them, keep the conversation light and open to your child’s questions and musings.

One week before school starts

Start adjusting bedtime and meal routines that may have creeped during summer, then have a “practice run.” Let your child collaborate with you on designing the day. Pretend it’s the first day of school, get ready, and head out the door, following the route you and your child will take to school. Have your child help pick out clothes and pack lunch if applicable and then go visit the school. You can pretend to have a goodbye and ask your child to imagine what they will see and who they will meet when they go into their classroom. You can do this “practice run” in addition to any school-sponsored beginning-of-year events.

Two Days before school starts

Make a list with your child. This could be a list of things your child wants to do or learn, things she hopes the classroom will have, games to play during recess, questions he wants to ask the teacher. Pick something that will feel important to your child and then ask them to make the list with you, adding illustrations next to your written words. Then have your child hang it in a special place where they will see it. 

One day before school starts 

Bring it all together. Reread the book, remember together what you noticed during the practice run, talk together about the list. Ask your child if there’s anything else she or he needs to do to feel ready for tomorrow, then support them in following through. Tell them you know they will have a great first day!