Get ready for back-to-school with Kindergarten Tips for Parents + FREE Checklist Printable. I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #SimplyNice campaign, sponsored by Nice!® at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.
Kindergarten Tips for Parents + FREE Checklist Printable
My last baby is entering Kindergarten this year. Hold me.
It’s scary to think that I will have two kids in full time school this year. Am I ready for Kindergarten? Am I really ready to let go and let my little girl grow up? There’s no doubt in my mind, this year is going to be the most important school year for her. And I need to be ready, really ready. So I’m making a list and checking it eleven billion-ty times with my Best Kindergarten Tips for Parents. Let’s get through this kindergarten transition together with FREE printables (including checklist and emergency contact form) and all of my best tips for a smooth back-to-school season.
Health Checkups
A healthy kid is a kid who’s ready to learn. Make sure to schedule and complete all health checkups before school starts, including a well physical and dental appointment. And don’t forget to grab copies of those very important health forms (and make extra copies for you)!
Enrollment
I have to admit that enrolling my children for kindergarten was the most intimidating process. So many forms, so many requirements, and probably the longest checklist of information I’ve ever seen, that’s the moment I realized that kindergarten was a BIG deal. Getting your child enrolled early with all of the required paperwork ensures a smooth transition for everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get clarification of the processes.
Skills Practice
With all of the paperwork out of the way, you can focus on the most important part of kindergarten, your child! Preparing them with the skills they need to succeed will give your child the confidence they need for the school year. Here’s an overall list of skills they should practice before kindergarten starts:
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- ABC’s Recognition
- Writing (Letters and Words)
- Reading (20 minutes per day)
- Counting 1-10, Adding and Subtracting
- Manners, Sharing, Taking Turns, Playing with Friends
- Tying Shoes, Taking Off Jacket, Zipping Zippers, Going Potty, Opening Lunch
Meet the Teacher & School Visit
Have the nerves hit yet? Yes, this is the moment when I get teary eyed. Visiting the school, meeting the teacher, getting your child excited and familiar with their daily surroundings…Kindergarten feels so much more real now. Take your child on a full tour of the school. See if they can navigate the halls, locate and recognize a school official (aka finding their school badge), get to a bathroom on their own. Since my kids take the bus to school, I also have them lead the walk from the bus drop off to their class.
Settle into a Routine
This is the first year where I have an independent little lady entering kindergarten. From picking out her own clothes to packing her own lunch, she pushes the boundaries when it comes to being a big girl. Start that school bedtime routine early into the summer (I allow for at least 1 week to settle into the right bedtime). And go through the motions of the wake up routine so they feel familiar. Do as much as possible the night before so you’re not rushing the morning.
For this independent kindergartener, I let her do as much as possible the night before, like laying out her own clothes and packing her backpack. Snacks are a BIG deal when it comes to the school year. Healthy is the name of the game. I always make sure there’s fresh fruit, veggies and something FUN packed in their lunches. But since Miss Independent likes to pack her own, I make sure we have a bin of smart choices to fuel her growing brain.
Nice! snacks and beverages are perfect for packing in kindergarten lunches, with lots of delicious and healthy choices to fit any family budget. From crunchy snacks to premium trail mix to organic options, the Nice! brand at Walgreens provides uncompromised quality and taste with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The result is no PHO’s, trans fats, more real ingredients and less artificial stuff so your family can live well for less. Here’s what we’re filling up our lunches with this busy kindergarten school year:
- Nice! Premium Iceland Pure Spring Water 1L & .5L
- Nice! Organics White Cheddar Puffs 6-Pack Lunch Pack
- Nice! Veggie Sticks 6-Pack Lunch Pack
- Nice! Magic Mix
- Nice! Fruit & Nut Trail Mix
- There’s nothing wrong with a sweet reward too, like Nice! Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Crème Cookies
Add weekly and monthly savings promotions, Walgreens Rewards and more, I know we’re getting the most out of school year budget. Stock up on Nice! brand products conveniently located at your local Walgreens to fill your child’s lunch box this back-to-school season.
Make an Emergency Contact List
I cannot stress this enough. While we as parents certainly don’t want any sort of emergency to happen to our kids while in school, being prepared is so important. I encourage you to make an emergency contact list with your child. Help them to memorize their address, parent phone numbers and any medical conditions and allergies they have. Give them the tools they need, just in case.
FREE Kindergarten Checklist Printable + Emergency Contact List
Overwhelmed yet? Yup, me too. But you know what? We can hold hands and get through this kindergarten transition together. I’ve made some FREE printables to help make kindergarten prep easier. Grab your FREE Kindergarten Checklist Printable with Emergency Contact List. Just click the link to download and print – and take the stress out of kindergarten.
Looking for more kindergarten tips?
This parent still has a lot to learn about kindergarten. With my baby entering a big phase of her life, I need to be ready too. Thankfully these Kindergarten Tips for Parents are helping me get ready for the biggest school year of my little girl’s life. Grab your free printables and be sure to stock up on Nice! brand at Walgreens to help make those back-to-school lunches easier, balanced and delicious! Looking for more back-to-school tips? Join me for the #SimplyNice Twitter Party on August 20th from 8-9 pm EST.
Through August check your local Walgreens for promos and reduced prices on Nice! products.
- Nice! Everyday & Organic snack bags $2.99 or 2/$5
- Nice! Snack packs – 6pk (Veggie Straws, Organic White Cheddar Puffs) $3.99 or 2/$7
- Nice! dried fruit $2.49 or 2/ $4.00
- Nice! Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Crème Cookie, Nice! Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie, or Nice! Chocolate Chip Cookies $1.99
- Nice! nuts- look for reduced prices on assorted varieties
- Nice! Magic Trail Mix $5.99
What are your best Kindergarten Tips for Parents? What would be on your checklist?
I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #SimplyNice campaign, sponsored by Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.
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shelly peterson says
These are great tips. I have a grandson starting kindergarten this year. Thanks for the printables.
Sarah L says
Good printables. Routines are so important for all kids.
Haley says
She’s so cute!