Yaheli is starting first grade!!! Can you believe it? I can’t believe I’m writing this 🥲 It’s just so exciting!!!

Time flies by so quickly. It’s not just a cliché. It’s real how days turn into months and years pass so swiftly… And here we are, first grade.

Just a year ago, we went through those same feelings and emotions with Shay’s>>>

transition from a small and personal kindergarten to a big school filled with kids of all ages. The thought of breaks in a giant yard, lunchboxes, notebooks, books, and homework.

Overall, what does he think and how does he feel about this transition? Is he excited? Are there worries that also occupy his mind? New friends… Where will he sit… Will he like his teacher and will she like him? Will it be similar to his kindergarten experience or completely different?

Hello, First Grade – How to Prepare Your Child Best for Their First Year

 During the preparation process, we focused on three key aspects:

1. Academic changes at school.
2. Social changes.
3. Preparations and organization at home.

#1 Sparking/starting up Conversation

Initiate a conversation with your child to hear their concerns about the upcoming changes, the transition to first grade, and starting school…

It’s possible and beneficial to raise awareness with them about the differences between kindergarten and first grade (important! – using only factual information, not mixing in personal thoughts/emotions/individual perspectives). Ask them how they feel about these changes. What do they think about it?

Often, such conversations can bring up things we might not have realized the child is thinking or feeling. You might also notice how grown-up and mature they’ve become compared to what you might have expected… which is reassuring.

Most importantly, in my view, such a shared conversation can turn a significant transition into something much smoother, pleasant, understanding, and inclusive – from both sides.

When we know where the child’s head is at, what troubles them, and where they excel, we can truly be there for them! And, of course, be much, much calmer :))

#2 Emphasizing the Experience

Like any transition or change in life, I like to focus on the full cup, the experience. There are good things that will come from this change, this transition… Ultimately, where our mindset is, those are the feelings our child will absorb.

Focusing together on the positives and the experience of transitioning to school will allow our child to truly enjoy this significant transition and the changes they will experience. In such a situation, even if there are difficulties along the way, whether socially, academically, with the teacher, or in lessons, the surrounding experience always makes it more pleasant and less daunting. 🫶🏻

So, let’s focus on:

• The opportunity to meet new friends.
• Expanding their mind with ‘grown-up’ learning ;).
• Significant renewal around the new start at school.

And so on…”

#3 Doing it together / Joind process

In general, I believe that when children are involved and take part in preparations and tasks, their experience with things is completely different! Often, they are more mature and capable than we might think…

When a child participates in preparation, beyond giving them a sense of maturity and strengthening their self-confidence, they also truly feel involved and a part of it…

So, how can we involve our child in preparing for first grade?

• Go shopping together for school supplies.
• Involve them in wrapping books and preparing school gear.
• Brainstorm together on how to organize their backpack and lunchbox… Make a list together of sandwiches and possible additions for each day.

Give them space for their choices and thoughts on how to organize and prepare their things…

I’d love to hear – is there anything you would add?
Or something you did differently?

Share with me in the comments below!