How to Help a Kindergartner Succeed in School

Kindergarten is the first official year of public school and often a rite of passage for five and six year olds. This first year of school is an emotional and important one, as it will lay the foundation for life long study habits and social skills. Use these steps to learn how to help your kindergartner succeed in school.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set up a special area for her that will become her permanent desk or study area. This should be somewhere that she can focus and where you are near enough to help her if she needs it. Avoid areas near TVs or other forms of media or entertainment.

2. Get her excited by letting her pick out her school supplies off of the required lists provided by the school. This will teach her to form an opinion and be proud of her choices, even if it is just over the character on the front of a folder.

3. Meet with her teacher ahead of time and take your child with you. This will give her a chance to become comfortable with the teacher before having to be singled out in front of peers she doesn't know. This visit to the school should also include a stop at the nurse's office, if your child is on medications or has any special needs of any kind.

4. Practice reading, simple math and how to listen politely during the summer before kindergarten starts. Teach her the rules of a classroom and how to conduct herself at school. Help her practice reading, writing and math skills so that she will be fresh and confident.

Tips & Warnings

• Convey a positive attitude at all times about starting school, but take time to address her worries and fears too. It is important for her to feel supported and capable at the same time.
• While the child is usually ready to start school and learn about great things, the parents often have a harder time letting go than the child does with the separation.
• Don't cause a huge scene on the first day. As parents we all cry a little as we let them go and even hug a couple of extra times. This is perfectly normal and healthy, but expressed dramatically in front of the child could give them feelings of uncertainty and confusion.