Some of the answers may vary by school district, but most can be applied" ...
"I understand my child will take an assessment test the first week. Will it be frustrating? "No not at all," said Brian Horne, Cedar Mill Elementary principal. "The assessments are designed as a conversation and take place in a very comfortable atmosphere. The teachers proctoring the assessments are skilled at working with young children and most are not even aware they are being assessed. It is just a nice conversation with an adult!"
What will the first week of school, post assessment, be like? It's a fun time for kids, educators said. There is so much to learn about simply functioning in a classroom.
"Parent expect kids to be diving into curriculum, but during the first week, teachers are making kids feel safe, developing community and the routines of school, such as finding the restrooms or the cafeteria," said Principal Michael Crandall, Kinnaman Elementary.
How long should I wait before offering to volunteer in my child's class? "We recommend allowing time for the teachers to get to know their students and how they interact as a learning community," Horne said. "It really is up to the individual teacher and they are very good at communicating their needs and schedules for volunteers to become involved."
The following is general advice from educators and parents:
- Attend back to school night and learn the daily classroom routine so you can talk with your children about school. What did you read during story time? What did you write about today? What was the word of the day? What game did you play in PE?
Volunteering at the school and in your child's classroom was a common theme.
- Get involved at whatever level you can or are comfortable with. Don't feel overwhelmed or that you don't fit in with other parents. There are lots of people with the same anxiety.
- Your kids have been on the planet for 5 years and are human beings. You will see them make great strides in their own unique ways. Keep talking to your kids about their day, stay in regular communication with the teacher, get involved when and where you can, and enjoy the introduction to a new chapter in your child's life
- When your child gets home from school, be ready with food! They are ravenous and cranky until fed! So make sure to have the snacks ready to survive the rest of the day.
- Expect your child to be tired, even if he or she has been attending daycare full-time.
- Expect child to get "school fatigue" around October and say stuff like "I hate school" - they're just tired/still in transition and don't have the vocabulary to say that.
- Food: Pack easy-to-open and quick-to-eat lunches; pack snacks in case of early or late lunch period.
- Attend a PTA meeting to get into the loop and know who "key players" at school are.
- Empty the backpack every night or you'll miss stuff and get behind. Find your own organizational system. Post events on your calendar right away, respond to surveys and permission slips immediately, etc.
"Remember, school is an adventure and it is a big transition," Horne said. "The kids usually don't have any issues once they see their classmates and what the classroom environment offers. Parents need to take a deep breath, relax, trust their little ones are in good hands, and enjoy the experience as well. There is a lot more to talk about at the dinner table once school begins!"
-- Wendy Owen
For the full articles look here: http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2014/08/making_the_transition_to_kinde.html#incart_river
If you have any questions about anything please email me or check the Sauvie Island Academy website.
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