This story originally appeared on the Needham Wellesley Newton Moms Network.
It’s hard to believe (and maybe a little bittersweet), but back to school season is right around the corner. For families with kids leaving their beloved preschool or daycare, or entering a school setting for the very first time, kindergarten can feel both exciting and a little intimidating. That’s why we asked one of our favorite kindergarten teachers, Marilyn Machkowsky, who brings over 40 years of experience in the Framingham School District, for her best advice for easing this exciting transition.
How can we help our child feel confident and excited on their first day of Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a big milestone for children and an even bigger one for parents. The key to a smooth transition is preparation and communication. I recommend starting the conversation with a few great books:
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First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. In this story, it’s the teacher who feels nervous about meeting her students (her parents even drive her to school!). It’s a great way to show your child they’re not the only one feeling anxious.
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The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing. A playful, reassuring story about the excitement and nerves of the first day.
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The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. A beautiful reminder that we’re always connected to the people we love, even when we’re apart.
It also helps to choose a small comfort item, like a stuffed animal or toy, to tuck into their backpack for the first few days. That familiarity can make a big difference in easing nerves.
Is there anything we should practice at home?
Yes! Two very important things:
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Listening skills. It sounds simple, but it’s something we work on every single day in kindergarten. Encourage your child to make eye contact when someone is speaking by saying, “Your eyes and my eyes are looking at each other.”
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Independence with their belongings. Practice opening and closing backpacks, lunch containers, and snack bags, and make sure your child knows where everything belongs in their backpack. These small skills help them feel confident right away.
What if my child has a very hard time at drop off?
Teachers are very experienced with this. Trust us to help guide you and your child. If you’re worried, reach out to the principal a few days before school starts to create a game plan. This might include having a teacher meet you at the front door, greeting your child in the hallway, or coming directly to your car. There are many strategies to make the transition easier. And remember, you know your child best, and if you ever feel unsure, contact the school for support.
How can parents help their child adjust socially, especially if they’re shy?
Playdates are wonderful for building confidence. Try to connect with other families in your neighborhood before school starts. Once the year begins, you can also ask your child’s teacher who they’ve been talking to or playing with. Then reach out to those families for a get together. Many schools have activities or parent groups that make these connections easier as well.
Any other tips?
Communication is the key to a successful kindergarten experience. Contact your teacher often and get involved with the parent teacher organization. It puts you in the school and in the classroom. Get to know your school. Buy into it. Your child is going to be there for many years to come, so make the most of it.
Lastly, what made you want to become a kindergarten teacher?
Kindergarten is where the joy of learning begins. The children are absolutely delightful. Everything they’re learning is new, and they’re full of excitement and curiosity. You’ll hear the most wonderful stories, see their pride in every accomplishment, and watch them grow in leaps and bounds. This truly is the best year of school and in my opinion, the most important one.
Discover more B2S tips from the Local Moms Network:
Back to School Checklist: 8 Things To Do To Ease the Transition