Kindergarten - Lessons from Term 1

When your child starts school it’s new for not only the child but the parents too. Learning the do’s and don’ts, wondering if you sent them to the right school at the right age are some of the thoughts that flow into our minds.

So I thought to share the lessons we learned in Term 1.

The Morning Routine

Our morning routine is non eventful which is the way I like it. The clothes are set out the night before, lunch is partially packed the night before. We ensure that he's in bed by 6:30pm to read books, play a bit and sleep by 7:30pm. A good night's sleep has helped tremendously with the adjustment. In the morning there's two alarms - one to wake up and another ten minutes before leaving. Everything from dressing, hygiene, breakfast etc gets done in between those two alarms.

Off from school

In the first term, my son was off sick for a total of 11 days! He was in daycare since 8 months and so we thought he wouldn’t pick up bugs as quickly or as often.

Be prepared for sickness absences (at least 5-6 times) in the first year which is very common due to exposure to new viruses. Due to Covid, we were asked to keep him home until he was symptom free and received a doctor’s clearance.

The Friends

One thing we do daily is to ask questions about school in a relaxed manner usually at bedtime. It allows us to learn more about not only what is being learnt at school but more importantly if there’s anything of concern. For example, one night my son mentioned about a boy punching him during the lunch break and about another making fun about his snack saying he was eating poo. We have taught him to not retaliate but to mention these things to the teacher.

It was clear that he was upset about both these incidents. The next day I contacted the teacher and mentioned these specific incidents. She reassured me that it would be dealt with and that this sort of behavior is not tolerated. There have been no incidents since then.

As a parent sometimes you may wonder whether to report an incident or if what your child is saying is the full story. But it’s best to err on the side of caution and report these matters before it escalates into something else.

Lunch time

He ate his lunch and snacks every day which was not an issue. I sent simple lunches like sandwiches and rolls so it was easy to eat. Every day there's 'sip and crunch time' to encourage children to have fruits so I sent simple fruits like grapes (cutting it lengthwise if it was too big until a child is at least 5 years old is recommended), banana, apple. If he did not like something I sent or it was difficult to eat he let me know.

Sharing was a concern as my son wanted to share his snacks with his friends so we had to have the talk about allergies and covid. It didn't help though and since sharing is a good trait I did not make a big deal about it. (We were not allowed to send food for common allergies like nuts so that was a good thing).

The Canteen

One night my son said he has a secret to tell me. And his secret was he had bought ice-cream from the canteen. I was gob smacked for two reasons. Firstly, we had not given him money for the canteen. Secondly, I thought he was too young to know how to order anything. So I asked him who gave him money. He said it was a hot day and one of the girls in his class (Let’s call her Bec) didn’t want to spend her money so he asked her for it and she gave it to him! And the next question ‘how did you know what to buy?’ ‘It’s easy, mummy. You just go to the canteen lady and tell her if you want a long one or a short one and I asked for a long one.’ (He was referring to a calypso). Third question, ‘how did you open it?’ ‘The canteen lady opens it for us’. Bless her!

So after getting all the details, I told him he must not ask anyone for money again and it was wrong to take anybody’s money. If any money is on the ground he must not take it because it is not his and that would be stealing.

Paying it forward

The next day I gave him money to give back to Bec. He tried to give it to her but she said she didn’t want it. Instead there was another girl who wanted to get something from the canteen so he gave it to her! At least he didn’t spend it but he paid it forward! He gave Bec his bag of crisps and when I said I’m not sending crisps again he said ‘no mummy, but Bec likes it!’. And as for Bec, she gave him money to go and buy himself some biscuits and he did! Back to square one…so I explained again not to take money from anyone and if he does I would have to mention it to the teacher. He hasn’t since then.

As for money for the canteen, we have decided not to give him money often as we would like him to learn the value of money and do not believe giving him money often is a good habit at this young age.

I don't like school, Mummy

Yes, we have already gone and going through this part. Recently (about 40 days after starting school), Akin asked me when school was finishing. The next week was easter so I said next week. He goes, 'no, when does school finish forever?'. He often said he didn't like school and when we probed it was due to the routine and discipline and not being accustomed to being in a place with so many children.

Our conversation one night:

Akin: I don't like school.

Mum: Guess what, I sometimes don't like to go to work. what can we do about it?.

Akin: Let's cancel it.

Mum: What about money?

Akin: You can work on the computer and the postman will come and give you a big box and it will be filled with money.

(I must make sure the post office has our correct home address. Wouldn't want to miss that box delivery!!).

Jokes aside when his not wanting to go to school became more frequent, I did mention it to his teacher. It was not anything serious. Kindergarten is different to pre-school and it does take some kids longer to adjust.

If your child is struggling with kindergarten this article may be useful.

The Lessons

In just two months I've learnt that kids pick things up quickly and are able to adapt easily to new situations. They stumble but find their way.

It's great to see them grow in confidence and blossom in this new stage.

Please like and share this post. I’m sure there’s at least one person in your circle that will be encouraged.

Your fellow Rookie Parent,

Sash

I am a Chartered Accountant, Author and Blogger. Home is Australia with my husband and 4 year old son.

I believe that in sharing we grow. And that's how this website and blog was born focusing on children and parents.

It sure does take a village to raise a family and build a home.

It's so easy to forget 'you' on this journey. This website's here to remind you not to!