The first day of kindergarten is a big step for a child and for their parents. At Ghaima we welcome new children calmly: shorter days at first, small groups, and a teacher and an assistant who know every child’s name before they arrive.
Before the first day
- Visit the school together, and point out the classroom, the garden and the playground.
- Read a story about kindergarten, and talk about it with calm enthusiasm.
- Settle your child into bedtime and wake-up times a week before school starts.
- Let them choose their bag and lunch box: familiar things reassure.
At the door
Say goodbye with a smile and a clear promise: “I’ll come after the story and the snack.” A short goodbye is easier for a child than a long wait at the door, and coming back after you have left starts the tears again. If your child cries, the teacher gives them a cuddle and takes them to their favourite corner, and you receive a short message once they settle.
After kindergarten
Instead of “what did you do today?”, try smaller questions: “who did you play with in the building corner?” or “what did you draw?”. Don’t worry if your child is tired or moody in the first week: their day is full of new things, and an early night is the best cure.
When should we talk? If the tears continue or your child refuses to go after three weeks, book a meeting with the kindergarten coordinator and we will make a plan that suits your child together.
