A Parent's Guide

You can help make First Grade go smoothly by doing a few things to prepare your child and yourself.

Your child will feel more comfortable in school if he/she can take care of basic personal needs.  For example:  tying shoes, putting on and taking off outer clothes without help, knowing their first and last name, parents' names, address, telephone number, and keeping track of personal property.  ( Please put names on all your child's belongings.)

Help your child get off to a good start.  Your child should get plenty of sleep. Have a good healthy diet, including a good breakfast.  Get up in plenty of time for school, so he/she does not have to hurry and is wide awake when school starts.  Get to school at the proper time, not too early and not too late. 

Make school a cheerful and happy experience.  Help your child look forward to school.  Talk about it in a friendly way so your child will think of it as a happy place.  Discuss school activities, school friends, new experiences and new things to learn.  If your child expresses doubts or fears, don't pass them off.  Try to answer all the questions in a positive, reassuring way and let your child know that there will be friendly people to help on those uncertain days.  Remember your own reactions and attitudes will go a long way toward determining how your child feels about school.