Ready, Set, Learn! How to Prepare Your Child for Elementary School

The transition to elementary school is a major milestone in your child’s life—and yours too! It’s a time filled with excitement, curiosity, and a few nerves. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or first grade, laying a strong foundation before that first school bell rings can make all the difference in helping them feel confident, capable, and ready to learn.

Here’s how to set the stage for a successful and smooth start to elementary school.

1. Build a Positive Attitude About School

One of the best ways to prepare your child is by fostering a positive mindset toward school. Talk about school as an exciting place where they’ll meet new friends, learn fun things, and discover the world around them.

Share stories about your own school experiences, watch age-appropriate videos about starting school, or read books like The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. These can help normalize the mixture of emotions your child might feel.

2. Establish a Routine Early

Elementary school follows a structured schedule, and it helps to ease your child into that routine ahead of time. Start setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times at least a few weeks before school starts. Practice getting dressed, eating breakfast, and leaving the house in a timely manner.

Establishing routines around meals, screen time, reading, and bedtime not only reduces morning chaos but also teaches your child time management and builds a sense of stability.

3. Practice Basic Academic Skills

While children aren’t expected to be academic experts before starting school, developing some foundational skills can give them a great head start and boost their confidence. If your child attends a preschool in Salt Lake City, chances are they’re already being introduced to essential early learning concepts such as:

• Recognizing letters and numbers
  
• Writing their own name
  
• Identifying colors and shapes
  
• Listening attentively and following simple instructions
  

You can reinforce these skills at home by turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. Count objects while grocery shopping, sing the alphabet together, read a story each day, or involve your child in simple tasks like measuring ingredients in the kitchen. These fun, hands-on experiences help prepare them for the classroom in a natural and engaging way.

4. Foster Independence

Teachers love when kids can handle basic tasks on their own. Encourage your child to:

• Use the bathroom independently
  
• Wash hands properly
  
• Open and close lunch containers
  
• Put on their coat and backpack
  
• Follow multi-step directions
  

You can also let them practice making small choices, such as picking out clothes or choosing a snack. These skills build self-confidence and reduce first-day anxiety.

5. Promote Social and Emotional Readiness

Social and emotional development is just as important as academics. Talk with your child about sharing, taking turns, asking for help, and using kind words. Role-playing common school scenarios—like meeting a new friend or resolving a disagreement—can help prepare them for real-life situations.

Also, encourage emotional expression. Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, excited, or even scared. Teach simple coping strategies like deep breathing or using words to express feelings.

6. Visit the School Together

If possible, take your child to visit the school before the first day. Many schools offer orientation sessions or open houses. Show them the classroom, playground, bathrooms, and lunchroom. Meeting the teacher and seeing the space ahead of time can greatly reduce anxiety and increase comfort.

If you can’t visit, drive or walk by the school and talk about what the day will look like. Even viewing pictures on the school’s website can help familiarize your child with the environment.

7. Prepare for the First Day

In the days leading up to the start of school, involve your child in preparations. Let them pick out a backpack, choose their first-day outfit, or help pack their lunch. This involvement gives them a sense of ownership over the experience.

On the first day, keep things calm and upbeat. Arrive early, offer reassurance, and say goodbye with confidence. Try to avoid lingering too long—even if there are a few tears (from either of you!).

8. Stay Involved and Supportive

Once school begins, stay connected with your child about their day. Ask open-ended questions like “What was the best part of your day?” or “Who did you sit with at lunch?” rather than simply, “How was school?”

Maintain open communication with teachers and look for ways to be involved—whether that’s volunteering, attending school events, or simply reviewing homework together.

In Conclusion

Preparing your child for elementary school is about more than packing a backpack—it’s about nurturing their readiness emotionally, socially, and academically. With patience, encouragement, and some thoughtful preparation, you can help your child step into their school journey with confidence and joy.

So take a deep breath, hold their hand, and get ready for this exciting new chapter. Ready, set, learn!