This is the most important milestone in your child’s school career. It can also be a frightening transition for a young child. New school, new teachers and new friends all make transitioning to kindergarten an emotional experience.
The National Head Start Association and the SERVE Regional Educational Laboratory state on their Terrific Transitions website that, “There is a great deal of information indicating that a child’s success in school can be linked, at least in part, to effective transition practices and activities” www.serve.org/TT/ Parents and caregivers must do their part in preparing their child for this transition into kindergarten.
Parents can ease the stress of this transition by providing children with literature experiences that discuss this new kindergarten and school experience. Reading books about a potentially stressful situation, with a parent, can take the stress out of the situation. Here are a few book suggestions parents can share with their child:
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate New York: Puffin Books, 2001 ISBN 9780140562736
A delightful book with fun illustrations by Ashley Wolff depicts a kindergarten teacher and her students getting ready for kindergarten. It also introduces the letters of the alphabet which is perfect for budding kindergarteners. The first of a series, this is a must for any preschooler getting ready for kindergarten.
The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain New York: Random House, 1978 ISBN 9780394837369
Sister Bear is nervous about starting school but discovers all the fun stuff she gets to do at school. Mama Bear helps to soothe Sister’s fears but taking her to the new classroom and meeting her new teacher. A classic book, which gently acknowledges a child’s fears while easing the stress of starting school.
The Wheels on the School Bus by Mary-Alice Moore New York: Scholastic, 2007 ISBN 9780545037617
A favorite song is tweaked to introduce the many people who make up the daily life of a school as they all travel on the school bus. Children will love to sing along the new verses such as “the librarian on the bus…” and parents can discuss with their children the new experiences and new faces kindergarteners will encounter day to day at their school.
Kindergarten Countdown by Anna Jane Hays New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007 ISBN 9780375842528
Children won’t be able to help getting excited about kindergarten with this appealing picture book. Rhyming text is perfect for preschoolers and the enthusiasm of the text will rub off on even the most skeptical of would be kindergarteners.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Terre Haute, IN: Tanglewood Press, 2006 ISB 9781933718002
Chester the raccoon is reluctant to head off to kindergarten but his mother devises a secret way he will be reminded of her love throughout the day. Separating from parents can be a tough issue for children who haven’t spent that much time away from home. This sweet picture book can ease a child’s mind and give parents an idea to help with soothing separation anxiety.
Parents must acknowledge the fact that moving up to kindergarten is hard for their young child. Using children’s literature can help with the transition. Reading together and discussing the situation will help take the stress out of starting school.
