Transition Strategies for entering DC Public Schools/Charter Schools after Daycare

[Anonymous]

I'm so worried about my two sons starting school in August after they have been with the same daycare/preschool for two years now. They will be entering PS3 and K. They have had a lot of the same friends and teachers and administrative staff. I'm wondering what I should do to prepare for this great transition. I'm not so concerned about the older son, although maybe I should be. The younger one doesn't quite understand what is going to happen. One thought I had was to have my mother in law stay with us in August so that they could just stay home for a few weeks before school starts.

What have others done?

[Anonymous]

There are some great picture books out there about starting Kindergarten and "First Day" concepts. Start reading these aloud to them. I would also talk to your sons about how kids start Elementary school in September and they make new friends (in addition to current ones) and have new teachers. Show them where the building is. Talk about how your routine might change. See if they can visit the facility this year to see kids in the building now. The first month, schedule some playdates with their former classmates so they can see that their friends are still around, just not with them every day.

[Anonymous]

Talked about it a lot in advance. Drove by the school several times to point it out and talk about it. Talk about it in a positive way and get them excited about it.

[Anonymous]

also, what would being home with your mom for a few weeks serve? Are you anticipating this being a transition time? If so, I would probably only give it one week, but maybe that's just me. A few weeks starts to get comfortable - then the transition from summer with grandma to school might be even tougher?