Resources for Families

Tips for Parents

Preparing your Child to Transition into Kindergarten.

Starting Kindergarten is a big event in the life of a family! In order to prepare for this big step in your child's life, here are some things that you can do with your child over the summer and before school starts:

Practice self-care skills

• washing hands
• using the bathroom successfully
• getting dressed
• zipping up a jacket

Activities

• make a plan with your child about how they will get back and forth from school each day and practice it together
• walk to school and have a picnic
• play in the school yard
• find the outside entrance to the Kindergarten area
• read and talk about the book "Playful Learning in Kindergarten" together(you will receive a copy at your school's Kindergarten Orientation event)
• establish bedtime routines and morning routines
• make up a fun goodbye routine and practice it in other situations before school starts 
• consider visiting an EarlyON Child and Family Centre or enrolling your child in an early learning program at the library, child care centre or recreation program near you. ​

There are many ways you can make the start of the first day of school positive.

You might consider:

• involving your child in making lunches and selecting a favourite outfit the night before
• getting up in time to allow for a relaxing morning routine
• talking about the fun things your child will be doing, (e.g., making friends, playing and learning new things)
• taking your child to the bus or to the school
• sending a family photo in your child's backpack that they can visit throughout the day if they need to feel connected to you

There are many ways you can make saying goodbye on the first day of school positive.

You might consider:

• making a goodbye routine with your child and practice​ it in other situations before school sits
• introducing your child to a buddy from class or the bus, so your child is not alone
• letting your child know what to expect at pick-up time
• reassure your child that you know they will be okay

Transition to school may look different for each child depending on their previous experiences and unique development.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

For information on learning experiences to do at home

• Learning Through Play at Home (PDF)