At Kids R Kids Avalon Park, we understand how big of a leap transitioning from preschool to Kindergarten could be for some kids — and parents, too! Because of this, we make sure to offer the warmest transitions and welcome them to the next big milestone of their educational journey. Not only will you and your children be met with smiling faces every morning, but they will also start to make potentially lifelong connections with peers experiencing the same thing.
Skills From VPK That Transfer
Voluntary preschool provides the foundation for the rest of their educational journey. Not only do they get used to the routine of going to school every day and connecting with peers and teachers, they also start to learn basic fundamentals to propel them to a great starting point day one of Kindergarten.
What To Expect in Kindergarten
Transitioning to Kindergarten can be a bit more structured than play, like that kids experience in VPK. The play can transition to more focus on early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills. They will also start to learn more life and social skills such as following directions, building friendships, and managing emotions. Skills such as cooperation, kindness, and self-confidence are important focuses for the school year to carry on with them throughout their educational career.
3 Tips for a Smooth Transition
Talk about it with your kids
Even if your child is staying in the same school from Pre-K to Kindergarten, transitioning between classrooms, hallways, and routine could still be overwhelming. Having open and positive conversations about Kindergarten and what a typical day might look like can help. Encourage your children to ask questions and tell them about all of the exciting activities they’ll enjoy, friends they’ll meet, and things they’ll learn. This can help them prepare for the exciting moments and take away from the scary and unfamiliar.
Visit the school
Many schools have open houses and other opportunities to meet their teacher and see their classroom. Exploring these spaces ahead of time can help reduce anxiety and make the environment feel much more comfortable. This will make for a smooth first day with fewer questions.
Get into a new routine
Summertime makes for fun vacations, later nights, and less structure. All of this can make the first day back a bit more difficult. Start to shift the routine back to the normal school schedule a week or so before the first day. You can start things such as adjusting bedtime and wake-up times, practicing packing their bag for the first day, and having structured snack and lunch times. While that first day may still be a whirlwind of excitement, these small things can help make it a bit easier.
Come Grow With Us at Kids R Kids Avalon Park
We always welcome families to come experience the Kids R Kids difference for themselves. We provide a caring, high-quality early learning center and allow you to see how that can make a difference. Schedule a tour today and see why families trust Kids ‘R’ Kids Avalon Park as the foundation for their child’s future.