How can the school help your child (and you) if you have never gone before

[Mom to E and A]

I guess this is mostly for thiose with kiddos entering public kindergarten as your first school and seperation experience.
What could the teachers or administrators do to help make this transition easier for you and your child?
It is often the case that kids come to school (kindy) from some sort of previos learning experience, whether it be a pre K program or daycare so they have some idea of what to expect adn "how to act". It is the child who has been learning at home with only mom or siblings that is not so quick to catch on to how things are done.
What would you like the school to do to help you and your child?

[LilyGrace]

We don't use public school anymore, but here's some things I wish more teachers thought about/did:

-give parents your email address, and maybe ask for the parents' in return. It's really handy to be able to write off a quick note to let a busy teacher know about changes in your kid's life, or issues that come up. As a parent, I know I'm only getting half (sometimes less) of the story, so checking in with the teacher eases my mind. In return, having a note from the teacher is nice, too. And if it's not just about problems but notes sent for kudos, the communication stays stronger.

-a teacher's webpage. Things like a virtual classroom tour, lists of curriculum used and goals for the year would be a great way to introduce the student and comfort the parent. There's less secrecy. Including tips on ways for parents to continue the education at home or supplement would be even better. If it's B for Butterfly week at school, have a file added that gives activities for the parent and child to do together, like making an origami butterfly, links to coloring pages, etc. We want to be involved in our children's education.

-Take the time to greet parents each day. It's a small thing, but the difference it makes is tremendous. We're trusting you with a precious gift. We want to know you - not just as the faceless teacher but as a friend.

[skiingmamma]

I completely agree with LiliyGrace!! The first day I met my son's teacher, she didn't smile, seemed distracted and uninterested in meeting me, yet there were very few other people around. And now she's already complaining about my son not "conforming" to the school routine! Argh! I also want the Kindergarten teachers to be the absolute most patient, happy, friendly teachers in the school because this is my son's first experience and I want it to be great.

[mamatoady]

Originally Posted by LilyGrace

-Take the time to greet parents each day. It's a small thing, but the difference it makes is tremendous. We're trusting you with a precious gift. We want to know you - not just as the faceless teacher but as a friend.

exactly!!!

I took my daughter out of a public montessori last year. it was her first experience with kindy (she was there for only 2 weeks and will start in new school this fall)...half the time I picked her up, the teacher would look at me to aknowledge I was there, but never smiled and didn't speak unless absolutely necessary. I totally got the feeling she didn't like me and listening to her speak to my daughter I got the same feeling for her.

I want to feel like the teacher values me as the parent and what I have to say....not just the taxi driver who drops some kid off at the door.

sarah

[eepster]

I don't know if it's practical for a public K to do this, but at many of the Montessori pre-Ks we toured (and the one we choose for DS) they have a phase in period of a few days to a few weeks where only a few students come for a shorter period (an hour and a half instead of half day in our case) with their parents present. The LOs get to know the teacher and class before they are left alone there. Since there are only a few student they get extra one on one time, the teacher get to observe them more closely, and they aren't as overwhelmed by the size of the group.

For public K it might work out best to have it as an optional extra few days before the school year officially starts just for kids who have not previosly gone to daycare or pre-K. That way it wouldn't have to fit any of the state guidelines for official school days.

[Momily]

At our charter school the first grade is PreK, but we do some things to help the kids.

Before we start we have "playdates" where kids come in small groups and play in the classrooms with their parents staying.

Then on the first two days of school, PreK stays home and the teachers visit each child at home and bring them a small gift (a fancy name tag to serve as a transitional object). They talk with the child, and also take pictures of the child with their parent/caregiver which are displayed in the classroom before the kids even arrive.

The first 2 days of school are 1/2 group 1/2 day so each child comes on one of those two days and there are only 10 kids in the room for 3 hours instead of 6. Then Friday is 1/2 day whole group.

Also, in the beginning we're very attuned to what kids need to feel safe at the beginning of the day. So for example, we figured out on the first day that there was a small group of kids who needed the security of a more intimate setting, so while the other kids are off playing with a playdough the assistant teacher scoops up those 3 or 4 and they read a book together cuddled up in the far corner of the room.

[LilyGrace]

Originally Posted by LilyGrace

-a teacher's webpage. Things like a virtual classroom tour, lists of curriculum used and goals for the year would be a great way to introduce the student and comfort the parent. There's less secrecy. Including tips on ways for parents to continue the education at home or supplement would be even better. If it's B for Butterfly week at school, have a file added that gives activities for the parent and child to do together, like making an origami butterfly, links to coloring pages, etc. We want to be involved in our children's education.

I'm quoting myself here, but I saw this kindergarten's webpage on another site and fell in love. If we used public school, this is exactly what I would want - http://www.littlegiraffes.com/

[guest^]

Pretty simple- respect the fact that we,as parents,are our DC's FIRST and MOST important teachers.

Be very patient,positive,gentle,and encouraging with DC who've never been to school.