10 Ways to Celebrate the First Days of Kindergarten
It’s the kindergarten countdown!
The first day of kindergarten is a milestone for both children and parents. It marks a new chapter filled with learning, friendships, and growth. While it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves – both parents and kindergarteners – there are plenty of ways to make this moment positive and memorable for your family.
Make your child feel extra special as they start their formal education journey!
The Night Before Kindergarten
Have a special first day of kindergarten party! Gather your family for a fun dinner the night before your child’s first day of kindergarten. Show photos of each family member as a child and share what you remember about your first days of school. Share wishes for the school year ahead. Talk about the things your child will do and experience, and remind them of the things they’ve learned over the summer. Ask your kindergartener what they are excited for. You can even make this a tradition and celebrate a first day of school party before the start of every school year.
Have one-on-one time. Start their bedtime routine on time. After all, they have an exciting day ahead of them! Make sure their outfit is laid out and their bag is packed. Give them time to voice any anxieties they may have. Talk about the steps of their morning routine. Then have your child choose a comforting book to read during your bedtime wind down and read it together. Give them a cuddle and tuck them in.
The Big Day
Start the day with a festive breakfast. Have your child’s favorite breakfast the morning of the first day of kindergarten. You can add a little twist to make their breakfast extra special. Think of adding sprinkles to their peanut butter toast or a cookie straw to their cereal and milk. You might want to add mini muffins, pancakes in fun shapes, or colorful fruit skewers to punch it up.
Share affirmations with your child. Look good, feel good! Boost your child’s confidence by telling them how special they look in their first-day outfit, that you’re proud of them, and you can’t wait to hear how their first day of school went. Share words of affirmation and encouragement so they feel supported.
Give a small keepsake gift. Present your child with a small gift that they can keep as a reminder of their first day. This could be a special picture frame, a personalized backpack tag, or a book about starting kindergarten. It doesn’t have to be a big gift, but it will be one that they cherish for years to come.
Take a first day of school photo. Capture the moment with a photo of your child before they head off to school. When you look back on it, you’ll be amazed at how much they’ve grown, whether it’s in one year or ten!
After School
Plan a celebration treat. Celebrate the first day with a simple and fun after-school activity, like a trip to the ice cream shop or a visit to the park. Your child will look forward to telling you how their day went.
Create a time capsule. After school, create a time capsule together as a family. Include photos, drawings, a letter to your future selves, or a small toy or trinket. Help your child complete an All About Me page. Bury it in the backyard or place it on a high shelf in a closet and label it with your child’s high school graduation year.
Ask your child about their day. Talk to your child about their day at school, ask questions, and listen to their stories. If your child is reluctant to share, ask specific questions. Encourage them to share their feelings, whether positive or negative, and reassure them that it's normal to feel a little nervous or overwhelmed at times.
Continue to celebrate school. After the first day, continue reading books about school, new friends, and learning to keep your child’s excitement going as long as possible. Every day, ask them how their day was and what they learned. Be invested in their friends and teachers.
The goal is to create a fun and supportive atmosphere at home that helps your child transition into this exciting new chapter. By celebrating their first day of school, you're setting the tone for a lifelong love of learning and a positive attitude towards education.