I've found PLENTY of books to read to our son about starting school/kindergarten (Sept. 6), but I've been looking for a book for ME to read, and coming up with nothing. While I KNOW I'm going to cry when I take him that first day, I can handle THAT. I'm looking for something that's more along the lines of:
-Suggestions for things TO do and NOT to do - for him, with the teacher, and within the school and/or community.
-How to set him up for success in his education.
-What could/should I focus on NOW to make learning easier for him, and to make LIFE easier for him.
-What to do/say when he come home and is upset because "Jimmy" doesn't like him anymore.
-What to do/say if he's bullied, or worse, if HE bullies.
Just feeling like this one single upcoming year is SO pivotal on his entire life and want to make sure I'm doing things right! Want to be PROactive, rather than REactive.
Thanks Mary! Definitely looks like a good place to start! Anyone have any recommendations for books that address grades K-2 (or higher).
just be happy...address issues as they arise & don't anticipate/plan on bad things happening.
PTO usually has excellent resources to help parents....as do the school counselors!
Rejoice in this wonderful step forward!
I don't know of any books that you can read but I can give you some suggestions from a parent and teacher stand point. Always be supportive and give your son positive things to look forward too. Let the teacher know from the start that you are here and that you happy to help when you can. I don't know if he will have homework or not. I know at my school we give Kindergarteners homework about a month after school starts. If he does make sure you set down with him to complete it but also make sure he is the one doing the work cause the teacher wants to see what he can do not you. If they do not do homework then make sure you are reading everynight. Once you get about a month into school then you can discuss with his teachers some areas that he needs some extra help on and how you can help him at home. Always ask him how his day was when he comes home and get him to tell you what he learned and did that day. If he comes home and says "Jimmy" does not like him reasurre him that it will be ok and tomorrow is a new day and maybe "Jimmy" will feel differently tomorrow. This is very common at this age so don't worry too much. If he is bullied which is highly unlikely at this age but if it does get with the teacher to work something out so he is not around the person as much as possible that is bullying him. If he is the one doing the bullying which I'm sure he will not get with the teacher and the guidance counsler to work out a plan of action. Most of all don't worry to much. Everything will work out and you sound like a GREAT mom. I which we had more parents at our school that wanted to be so proactive in their child's education. Look forward to hearing how his first day of school goes. Hope this helped some.
Take a look at "Ready, Start, School" by Sandra Reif. I found it really helpful as far as what to do to support learning and to get ready for school as well as so much more. I highly recommend it.
Kohl's has their Kohl's Cares for Kids books and thing all the time and right now they have a book called Cliffords First Day of Kindergarden. I bought it for my daughter too just last week. Best part is it's only $5.00 and they're nice hard cover books and the proceeds go to a good cause.
