[macksmom]

Hi, I'm 24 and my daughter is starting kindergarten this year!! Well in a few weeks to be exact :) I don't have any other kids, nor does my husband, I don't speak to my mom... so I need some advice!!

What should I do to prepare her? Should I start waking her up early BEFORE school starts so she gets used to waking up that early? Do they give homework in kindergarten? Is it OK for her to ride the bus if I wait with her until it picks her up and am there when it drops her off?

I think the closer it's getting the more nervous I am! Haha Just basically trying to just get some info so I can make a schedule, and so this transition will be easier for both of us.

[iloveLf221]

It is a good idea to get her up early so that she can get used to the schedule, you know? As for school supplies, just get her the basic, crayons, glue, colored pencils, that kind of stuff, and in my neighborhood, we have this thing called mother goose camp, where the kindergarteners go to school one week prior to everyone else, just to get the feel of going to school, and that's about all I can suggest, good luck!

[NeedKarma]

Many school boards have documents outlining things the parent and child need to know to prepare for kindergarten. They will also outline their bus rules for you. The biggest thing you can do for her in my opinion is show how exciting and fun it's going to me. If it's a positive experience for you she will feed off that. My daughter is going in Grade 1 this year so we just finished up that wondeful kindergarten year and it was great.

[J_9]

My youngest just started kindergarten this week. LOL

School supplies... your school should supply a list for you of what they need. They usually have a general list and then each individual teacher lists a few extras that they use in their room.

The bus... your choice entirely. Personally, I choose not to let my children ride the bus. My 13 year old does not like it, and as far as the 5 year old goes, I just don't feel comfortable with it.

Prepare her... you need to talk to her about raising her hand when she wants to talk, keeping her hands feet and objects to herself. Generally just listening to the teacher.

Homework... many teachers do, but it is simple cutting and gluing of magazine pictures of certain colors, letters, etc.

It can be a very exciting time for a kiddo, going to "big kids" school and all. It's much more frightening for us parents than it is our children, for the most part.

[hahajamiexlyn]

Hi, my mother is a kindergarten teacher so I get to hear all about it.

I think it would be good to wake her up early because you don't want her to fall into the habit of being late often.

As far as the bus goes, it depends on how safe you feel in your neighborhood. In my neighborhood I would let my child ride the bus, but, like you said, be there until she leaves and when she gets back. But there are some areas where it seems shady, so that's up to your discrescion.

And if you're really nervous, you can talk to the teachers. They like when moms talk to them because it gives them a feel for the child's home life. For example, a child who's mother never contacts the school, never gives the teacher notice about absences, etc. will be viewed differently than a mom who helps out and talks to the teachers.

[cal823]

It's a very good idea to make sure that your kid keeps a habit of early starts to every day.
Dam, I'm 16, and if I could get up early for school, and could get into the habit of doing homework and assignements early, I could actually do well, but its so hard to get into the habit, make sure your kid gets good work habits before they at the age where it becomes hard to do!

[Foxy459459]

I remember when my son started Kindergarten, OMG I cried like a little baby! Hahaha its always good to start them in a retine for school times in the morning. It depends on the school I know my son had homework in kindergarten, not a whole lot ABC'S and stuff like that and the projects that they have to do is fun, because it give you and your little one something fun to do together. She will be fine if you send her on the bus, just make sure that you meet the school bus driver and everything. The first couple iof days are rocky just being a mom and letting her go into the real world for the first time. But you can do it. And she is going to love school. You're a great mom, and you both will love it. Keep your head up and good luck!

[Emland]

I used to drive a school bus and in our area the drivers aren't allowed to let a Kindergartner off unless an adult is there waiting for them. Check your school's policy. I always sat a K with an older student to be their escort until they got the hang of it.

Don't worry about supplies until you get the list from the teacher. They end up needing hand santizer, tissues and ziplocks more than anything else, it seems.

My daughter had homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I am sure every teacher and school district is different.

Take photos and don't let them see you cry! And yes, you can follow the school bus around if you need to. The drivers are used to it!