Transition to Kindergarten
May social work newsletter
If your child is starting Kindergarten in the Fall? Here are some ways to help with a
smooth transition:
● Play on the new Kindergarten school playground throughout the summer if
accessible
● Once you know who your child’s teacher will be in the Fall, visit the classroom
and meet the teacher before the school year begins (if possible)
● Work on self-help/independence skills at home, such as toileting, dressing, etc.
● Arrange summer play dates with other children who live in your neighborhood
and might be going to Kindergarten in the Fall
● Include your child in a shopping trip to purchase school supplies or clothes
before starting school
● Begin new routines a week or so before school starts. This is especially
important if bedtime and wake-up times will need to change
● Read books with your child about kindergarten, such as: “David Goes to School”
by David Shannon or “Off to School, Baby Duck!” by Amy Hest
● Start marking off the days until school starts about a week or so before the first
day of school
Going to kindergarten is a major milestone/transition in you and your child’s life.
Consider implementing some of these strategies to help ease the transition to
Kindergarten.