Ask A Minnesota Expert: 5 Tips For Getting Your Child Ready For Kindergarten

Whether it is your first experience sending a child to kindergarten or your fifth, it's very important that you feel confident sending your child out into the world. Every state has different requirements regarding testing and doctor visits, so be sure to take care of those as a top priority. It can be an exciting and scary time for your child; new school, new friends, new routine, etc. The best way to get your child ready is to support them and make sure they have everything they need for that first day.

Linda Schall
Minnesota Department Of Education
1500 Highway 36 W
Roseville, MN 55113
651-582-8200
www.education.state.mn.usLinda Schall has a Masters in Education from Augsburg College and has been involved with the Minnesota Department of Education as an administrator and volunteer. Linda also emphasizes the importance of preschool and early childhood education for help in preparing kids for kindergarten. She has several children of her own that have all gone to kindergarten and survived.

Eliminate Rewards For Good BehaviorA lot of parents (myself included) offer bribes or rewards for good behavior. While these may work in the home setting, they typically don't fly in school. Although there are rewards for good behavior, they do not come every single time a child does what he or she is asked. Help your child to understand that good behavior is expected at school and there will not be rewards every time it is displayed. Verbal praise can be used and encouragement for doing what he or she is asked.

Start Them On A Routine They Can Get Comfortable WithKindergarten is a very structured environment, with children having set times for learning, playing and eating lunch. Try and get your child used to a routine where he or she has to wake up at the time that he or she will need to wake up when school starts. Try and find out when lunch is during school and keep a similar time for your meals as well. Choosing an appropriate bedtime will also be a huge help when school starts. Getting your child used to these changes will help the transition go a little better.

Set Up A Few Playdates Over The summerAside from learning the basics, children learn how to behave socially in kindergarten. Getting your child emotionally prepared to sit in a structured environment with his or her peers is critical. It's always a good idea to get your child together with other kids, maybe even some that will be in his or her kindergarten class. Many schools plan activities for children entering kindergarten over the summer. Check to see if there is an orientation day or picnic planned to try and get the new students and parents together socially.

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Read To Your Child Read every day. Start reading while your child is in the womb and do it often. Studies show that children that are read to since birth have higher literacy rates, grades and graduation rates. These children will also adapt to kindergarten better and experience less difficulty with concentration and learning. Check out the Minnesota Department of Education webpage and the link to the National Literacy Council for some more reasons why you should read to your child now.

Visit The SchoolAll schools host an open house or days where the new students can take a peek at the classroom they will be in all day. Make sure you participate in these events and get to know the teachers and other parents that will be involved with the kindergarten class. Giving your child a concrete idea of what to expect will decrease his or her anxiety about the new situation.

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Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.