DS starting 0 classs

[AllisonR]

My 5yo DS starts 0 class on Monday. I guess you could compare it American school if you mixed Kindergarten and 1st grade together - but without much actual school work. His time will be mostly spent playing, not sitting in a chair reading and writing (though that will be covered as well in limited amounts).

But this is a huge step for him (and me!). He will be in this giant school (grade 0 to 10). There will be 25 kids just in his class (and another group of 25 in a seperate 0 class).

We've bought the backpack, gotten him a new lunch box... But i don't feel really prepared. I guess it isn't possible to be prepared anyway. Sort of like giving birth - you can read a million books and have the birth plan filled out, but until you are in it, you don't really know.

Still, if there are some simple things, from you wise mommas who have been here already, I would like to know. So, when you DC started real school:

What were the biggest hurdles?
What made everything smoother?
What did your kid love?
What did they dislike?

[lauren]

Hi Allison, my little one is also starting kindergarten this year. I am trying to think back to when my 15 yr old was starting and everything was so new and strange. Visiting the school and getting to know the teacher definitely helped me, so I could know what was going on as well as 'imagine' his day.

How is he feeling about it? Is he excited? Read his cues and ride the wave of his feelings. Provide reassurance if nervous, but if he is feeling confident, just make way for a great experience, then grab the tissues and meet the other parents outside for a few tears.

I think it is mostly harder on us moms than it is on the kids. So hard to let go that first time!

My kids (in america) loved the playtime, the specials (music, art, gym, french). There wasn't much they didn't like in those grades, as teachers make almost everything fun.

[annethcz]

What were the biggest hurdles?
At the very beginning, the kids were tired out. It was a big change to be at school all day long.

I also found it difficult to keep up with all of the varying requests from school. It probably won't be as bad with only 1 child, but it can be pretty time-intensive to manage homework and library days and special requests for donations and gifts and fundraisers.

What made everything smoother?
Prepping the night before. We pack backpacks and I make lunches the night before, so we're ready to go in the morning with a minimum of fuss.

What did your kid love?
Just about everything. They loved making friends. They loved playing with new and different toys at school. They loved being able to do things on their own.

What did they dislike?
The only thing my DD disliked about kindy last year was some of the social difficulties that popped up. It was hard for her to navigate the world of cliques. But she also had a great teacher who worked to help the girls figure out how to be good friends to each other.