A lot of parents think their child is ready for school if they know things like the alphabet or how to count to 100. But being ready for school is about more than just learning numbers and letters. It’s about learning the basic skills, building friendships, and staying healthy.

Things to Think About: 

Ask yourself these questions about your child:

• Do they enjoy playing with friends? Can they share and take turns when playing games?

• Are they excited to learn new things? Do they ask questions and keep trying even when something is hard?

• Can they communicate well? Can teachers and friends understand what they need or want?

• Can they sit and listen for a little while? This will help them follow instructions during class.

• Do they like being independent? How do they handle being away from you?

How Can You Help Your Child Get Ready for School?

Talk About It:

• Explain what school will be like.

• Talk about how they’ll get to school and what they’ll do during the day.

• Reassure them about what you’ll be doing while they’re at school.

Start Your New Routine Early:

• A few weeks before school starts, set regular times for waking up, eating meals, and going to bed.

• This makes the transition smoother when school begins.

Read About School:

• Read books about starting school together.

• Your local library is a great place to find stories about what to expect.

Respect Your Child’s Personality:

• Every child adjusts differently to new experiences. That’s okay!

• Have patience and understanding—there’s no “right” way to feel about starting school.

Stay Positive:

• Share happy memories of your own school days—like fun teachers, friends, or activities.

• If you’re excited about school, they’ll feel excited, too.

Once School Starts, Here’s How You Can Help

The first days of school are just the beginning! Here’s how to support your child:

Stay in Touch with Teachers

• Share what your child enjoys, their strengths, and any challenges.

• Ask how you can help at home.

• Find out the best way to communicate—emails, notes, or quick chats.

Get Involved

• Attend school events, celebrations, and parent meetings.

• This helps you see how your child and their class are doing.

Talk About Their Day

Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What was the best part of your day?”

• “What new thing did you learn today?”

Celebrate Their Work

• Show them their work is important by hanging it on the fridge or wall.

• Let them share their activities with family or friends.

Keep Reading Together

• Read stories with your child every day.

A Strong Start Matters

Starting school is a big change for your child and your family. By talking, preparing, and staying involved, you can help your child feel confident and ready to learn. Kindergarten is all about building a strong foundation—so make it fun, positive, and full of support!

Services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555